4 hours ago
Transgender Athlete Clayton Jay Reeves Breaks Barriers on 'American Ninja Warrior'
READ TIME: 19 MIN.
At a time when transgender athletes face mounting political scrutiny and exclusion from sports in many states, Clayton Jay Reeves, a 25-year-old from Iowa, is pushing back with every leap, climb, and swing on the iconic obstacle course of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior. Reeves, who became one of the first out transgender men to advance to the semifinals in the show’s 17th season, has confirmed he will return for Season 18—an act of visibility he describes as both deeply personal and profoundly political .
Reeves’s journey comes at a pivotal moment for transgender athletes in the United States. Over the past several years, a wave of state-level legislation has sought to restrict transgender participation in school and collegiate sports, with numerous high-profile bans and heated debates capturing national headlines. For Reeves, the chance to compete on national television is not just about personal achievement: it is a statement of presence and perseverance in a climate that often seeks to erase or marginalize transgender lives .
“When people find out you’re trans, they usually see a label or assume weakness,” Reeves shared in a recent interview. “But for me, being transgender has been the most powerful part of my story. It’s what taught me to stand up for myself, to choose my own path, to become the man I am” .
Reeves’s visibility on the show is especially significant for transgender youth, who are often the focus of current legislative debates. In his own words: “Getting to show up as my full self on national TV… that’s not just for me. That’s for every kid who’s been made to feel like they’re too different to chase something great” .
Growing up in Iowa, Reeves described his own experience as a transgender youth. “I didn’t think about my age or anything like that,” he told The Queer Review. “I didn’t even think about gender. I just thought about what I felt like on the inside. In society, we have these gender norms, but with me it wasn’t that I was trying to be a guy, it was more that I was trying to fit what felt comfortable in my skin. Obviously, I totally stand for trans youth transitioning and feeling comfortable in their bodies, because at the end of the day it’s their lives and we all want to be able to live this one life that we have the way we want to” .
Though new to the world of Ninja Warrior competitions, Reeves undertook a rigorous training regimen in preparation for his televised debut. He drew inspiration from fellow competitor Spencer Johnson and found support in a community that values both physical strength and authenticity .
Reeves is joined by Jenson Little, another out transgender man featured this season, who has returned to the show after first appearing in Season 10. Together, they represent a growing movement of transgender athletes using sports platforms to challenge stereotypes and advocate for inclusion. As Jenson shared, “In a year where trans visibility and our right to exist have been under attack, it felt more important than ever to step up, be seen, and remind people that trans folks belong everywhere—including in sports” .
Following his historic run in Season 17, Reeves announced via TikTok and in interviews that he has received a callback for Season 18, scheduled for next year. “I’m thrilled to have another opportunity to compete and continue using this platform to represent and inspire others,” Reeves said .
His message resonates across social media, where he documents his journey, shares his training, and connects with a growing base of supporters. “I’m not just here to compete. I’m here to be seen. Trans, resilient, and stronger than I’ve ever been. This is my American Ninja Warrior story,” Reeves declared in a TikTok post that has garnered thousands of views and supportive comments .
As Reeves prepares for the next season, the stakes remain high—not only for the competition, but for the ongoing struggle for inclusion and equality in sports. Whether scaling a warped wall or facing a wave of discriminatory legislation, Reeves’s message remains clear: “We all want to be able to live this one life that we have the way we want to” .
For American Ninja Warrior viewers and the broader LGBTQ+ community, Clayton Jay Reeves is not just competing—he’s making history, one obstacle at a time.
