Throughout the month of February, Family Equality Council is celebrating Black History Month by honoring the accomplishments, contributions, and lives of LGBT Black Americans, past and present.
Kye Allums—Student and athlete. As a college sophmore, Allums came out in 2010, and became the first openly transgender athlete in Division 1 NCAA basketball. He continued to play with the GWU team, and his case prompted the NCAA to reevaluate its policy on transgender athletes. He has since begun speaking with student groups about his experience and LGBT inclusivity in sports. Allums announced he would not continue playing in 2011—he said he plans to apply to grad schools and continue making a “difference in the world.”