Episode 21. Emma Gee - Find Your Truth. Navigating Identity.

Emma Gee, former Division 1 runner for BYU and rising Temple University runner and Master’s student shares her journey as the first-ever openly LGBTQ+ athlete at BYU. Emma is striving to become an All-American in the 3000 m Steeplechase, but she is also committed to changing more than just the game. Emma openly addresses her discontent with BYU’s policies as they fail to protect and support the LGBTQ+ community at the university, and her involvement in the school’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee We discuss an important challenge we all face in life - which is a conditioned way of thinking about sexuality and relationships. Emma speaks on her own experience in sport with coming out, and she emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, building a strong support system, and utilizing therapy and journaling as methods to truly process finding your identity. Emma reminds us while we may be faced with resistance and judgment in finding our truth, nothing beats the feeling of being true to ourselves.

“Educate yourself, listen, be respectful, and open-minded. Find your truth by processing and honoring personal identities beyond conditioned thinking.” - Emma Gee