Schuyler Bailar
He broke a major barrier in college sports by becoming the first openly transgender man to compete in NCAA Division I swimming.
Born 1996 (age 30)·American swimmer and LGBTQ rights advocate·Birthday: May 2·Millennials
Biography
Schuyler Bailar grew up in Virginia as a record-breaking age-group swimmer, recruited to Harvard University's women's team. While recovering from a serious hip injury, he began a public journey of gender transition, a decision that led Harvard to honor his athletic scholarship on the men's team. His 2015 debut in the pool as a man made him the first openly transgender athlete to compete in any sport at the NCAA Division I level. Bailar's story, told through relentless media engagement, his book 'Obie Is Man Enough', and a massive social media following, has made him a pivotal educator on trans inclusion, challenging stereotypes in athletics with quiet courage and articulate grace.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Schuyler was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Schuyler Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Schuyler's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the first openly transgender athlete to compete on an NCAA Division I men's team in any sport.
- Authored the middle-grade novel 'Obie Is Man Enough', which explores themes of identity and belonging.
- Built a significant platform as a speaker and educator on LGBTQ+ inclusion, particularly in sports.
- Was recruited to swim for Harvard University's women's team before transitioning and joining the men's team.
Did You Know?
His first name is pronounced 'Skyler'.
He is of Korean descent through his mother.
He initially accepted a recruitment offer to swim for Harvard's women's team.
He hosts a popular podcast called 'The Schuyler Bailar Podcast'.
He is an accomplished visual artist and often shares his work online.
““Your worth is not defined by your performance, your body, or anyone else’s opinion of you.””
