This story was originally reported by Christopher Wiggins, Advocate of The 19th . Meet Christopher and read more of their reporting on gender, politics and policy .

With transgender athletes facing escalating political attacks and sports bans spreading across the country, one competitor on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior is proving that visibility itself can be an act of defiance.

Clayton Jay Reeves, a 25-year-old from Iowa , confirmed he has received a callback for next year’s 18th season, less than a year after filming what he describes as a historic moment, becoming one of the first out transgender men to advance to the semifinals of the 17th season on the long-running NBC competition series.

“I’m thrilled to have another opportunity to compete and continue using this pl

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