Trans Athletes Clayton Reeves and Jenson Little Make History on 'American Ninja Warrior'

In a landmark moment for both sports and LGBTQ+ visibility, Jenson Little and Clayton Reeves have become the first out trans men to compete on the hit NBC competition series American Ninja Warrior. Their participation in Season 17, currently airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock, marks a significant step forward for transgender representation on one of America’s most-watched athletic programs .

Clayton Reeves, a rookie this season, and Jenson Little, a returning competitor in his fourth year, are using this high-profile platform to challenge stereotypes and offer hope for greater inclusion in sports. Reeves’ qualifying run aired on June 30, 2025, while Little’s latest run is featured in the July 7 episode, both now available for streaming .

Reeves’ journey to national television was marked by adversity and determination. Originally from Romania and adopted by a large family in Iowa, he came out as trans in 2016. Facing little support at home, Reeves found connection and encouragement online, building a YouTube following and becoming active in his local ninja gym community. “I’m super excited. I’m blessed to keep going with my journey and showing up for the LGBTQ+ community,” Reeves told The Queer Review in a recent interview .

For Reeves, competing on American Ninja Warrior was about more than athletic achievement. “When people find out you’re trans, they usually see a label or assume weakness,” he shared. “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” .

Little, meanwhile, is no stranger to the Ninja Warrior course. Having previously competed in Seasons 10, 14, and 15, he returned this year with renewed energy and a strong sense of purpose. “Doing it now, in 2025, hits differently,” Little said, emphasizing the significance of trans visibility amidst ongoing public debates about transgender rights. “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” .

American Ninja Warrior has long celebrated stories of resilience, heart, and the pursuit of athletic excellence. The inclusion of Reeves and Little is both a reflection of and a catalyst for changing attitudes toward transgender participation in sports. Their presence on the show challenges persistent stereotypes and provides positive role models for viewers of all ages, especially those who may feel isolated or excluded because of their gender identity .

The broader cultural impact of their achievement is especially meaningful given the current climate, where transgender rights and representation remain contentious topics in many areas of society. By competing openly and authentically, Reeves and Little demonstrate that trans men have a rightful place in all arenas — from sports, to media, to everyday life .

Both athletes have spoken about the importance of visibility and the message their participation sends to other transgender people. Reeves noted, “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” .

With Season 17’s competition heading toward the semifinals and national finals in Las Vegas, the momentum generated by Reeves’ and Little’s groundbreaking appearances is expected to resonate well beyond the show’s finale. Their achievements are already inspiring new conversations about inclusion, fairness, and the future of LGBTQ+ athletes in competitive sports.

As the journey continues, Reeves and Little hope their visibility will open more doors for other transgender people — both on and off the Ninja Warrior course. Their historic runs stand as a testament to courage, authenticity, and the enduring power of representation.