Cooper vs. USA Powerlifting:
Catching up with JayCee Cooper
In June, Gender Justice filed a charge against USA Powerlifting on behalf of amateur powerlifter JayCee Cooper. Jaycee - and all transgender athletes - should have an equal opportunity to compete in the sport they love.
Winter 2019 Newsletter
IT’S BEEN A BUSY YEAR FOR YOU – FROM ANNOUNCING THE CHARGE AGAINST USAPL TO YOUR WORK AS A LEADER WITH NATIONAL LGBTQ POWERLIFTING ORGANIZATION PULL FOR PRIDE. WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THIS FALL?
After wrapping up my last meet of the 2018-2019 season, I really started focusing on advocacy efforts through Pull for Pride, the Women’s Strength Coalition, and the team at Gender Justice. Since filing the charge against USAPL, I’ve also been doing community-building with other trans folks – especially trans athletes – so they’re aware of what’s going on.
HOW HAS THAT BEEN FOR YOU?
It’s a lot. I’m really glad I have the support that I do – through Gender Justice, Women’s Strength Coalition, Pull For Pride and so many of the people I’ve met over the last six months. This whole process has been incredibly isolating, and without that support it would be much more difficult.
Therapy has been key. Spending time with my partner. There was a while over the summer when I was traveling constantly and we didn’t get a ton of time to hang out, so making up for that now. Continuing to be active. Seeking community.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
My next competition probably won’t be until the state championships in January, but that depends on what happens with USAPL, if they allow me to compete or not. If they don’t, I’ll try to compete through USA Powerlifting Association again and go from there. If I’m healthy, I’d like to try for the world championship.
WHAT CAN FOLKS DO TO SUPPORT YOU?
Right now, supporting the trans people in your life, the intersex people in your life, and the non-binary people in your life is incredibly important. There is so much backlash playing out publicly, and we’re all being exposed to it on a daily basis, so – just be there. Be there for your people. Because we all need it. It doesn’t matter how strong you think a person is, it’s essential that people who are going through all this stuff are being supported.
"JayCee wants to compete in the sport of her choice as the person she is. And the Minnesota Human Rights Act gives her the right to do just that. We are privileged and proud to join Gender Justice on behalf of such a deserving client and worthy cause."
David Schlesinger, Nichols Kaster
How We Make Change
What We Fight For
Where Barriers Occur
Related Work