On Quinn, my queer wife, and the power of visibility

Quinn’s presence and success on the global stage empowers my non-binary wife and countless others.

Credit: Instagram

Quinn is no stranger to making history. 

In 2021, the Canadian footballer became the first openly trans and non-binary person to win an Olympic medal when they captured the gold medal with the Canadian women’s national team at the Tokyo Games.

Now, Quinn is trying to secure another historic first by becoming the first trans, non-binary athlete to win the World Cup. Should they realize their dream, it wouldn’t just be a personal triumph for Quinn, or a historic milestone for Canada; instead, it would stand as a momentous victory for LGBTQ+ visibility and representation—something that matter greatly to individuals like my spouse, Jay, who embraced their non-binary identity a few years ago. 

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Jay and I met during our freshman year at university and have been inseparable since. We got married in 2018 and made our home in a city we both hold dear to our hearts. Three years later, Jay came out as non-binary. 

The revelation didn’t come as a surprise. Jay had always embraced their queer identity and had grappled with being perceived as a cisgender woman. When they finally decided to start referring to themselves as non-binary, it felt like the last piece of their intricate tapestry had fallen into place, allowing them to be their authentic self. Witnessing this extraordinary display of courage filled me with pride, and I continue to be amazed by their strength of character and unwavering determination.