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Chloe Corcoran couldn’t wait to touch Dodger Stadium grass.
Ever since Corcoran, a trans woman, learned she’d be recognized during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ LGBTQ+ Pride night, which was June 3 at Dodger Stadium, the Rochester native was anxious to marvel at the famed MLB stadium from the field.
Over the last few weeks, Corcoran has been in the spotlight because of her openness about her identity and advocacy of trans rights. She’s also shared the highs and lows of some of her journey on a podcast called “Being Trans.”
Standing proudly and wearing a “Being Trans” shirt in front of the LA crowd, Corcoran was lined up on the Dodger Stadium’s left-field line side-by-side with famous LGBTQ+ community members like singer JoJo Siwa. Even Dodgers manager Dave Roberts joined Corcoran and the others for photos.
“I’ll always treasure that moment,” Corcoran said.
Pride Night at Dodgers Stadium
Many employers do not cover gender-affirming care, and facial feminization surgery had been a long-time goal of Corcoran’s. After years of fighting, Corcoran got the procedure insured, and it was performed at UCLA in December.
“Nobody believed that it wasn’t cosmetic,” Corcoran said in a UCLA Health story published in May. “Between 2018 and 2020, there were constant fights. And the fights are not done. Either we’ve gotten used to it, or they’ve gotten used to us, but it’s gotten better. We don’t have to fight so hard for every single case anymore.”
For her efforts, UCLA nominated Corcoran to be recognized at the LA Dodgers’ Pride Night. Her experience was unforgettable. She arrived at Dodger Stadium early for photo-ops. Siwa’s attendance “blew my mind,” Corcoran said.
Billy Bean, Dale Scott, Fallon Fox, Gigi Gorgeous and Nats Getty were other notable names acknowledged at the game alongside Corcoran. Family members of former Dodgers player Glenn Burke, MLB’s first openly gay player, were there to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Corcoran invited her friend Stefanie Barboza to Pride Night. Barboza was happy to experience the camaraderie on display between the celebs and the lesser-known people.
Barboza’s favorite moment of the night didn’t occur until they left the field. On the way back to their seats, she was touched at the reception Corcoran received from Dodgers fans. It was the affirmation Corcoran had been waiting for.
“They appreciated her bravery,” Barboza said. “It was such a big moment. I can see her holding her head up high. She was so proud of herself. I’m so blessed she invited me.”
The influx in organizations acknowledging Pride in recent years is apparent to Corcoran. She’s seen both sides of the coin. The Tampa Bay players who opted not to acknowledge Pride upset Corcoran, but she also thanked the Rochester Red Wings for their continued support.
Previous coverage: Several Tampa Bay Rays players choose not to wear rainbow logos for Pride Night
“It is a more recent shift to have organizations do Pride Night. The Rochester Red Wings actually do a really good job with theirs. Rochester is fortunate to have them,” Corcoran said. “But the visibility comes with a double-edged sword.”
‘Being Trans’ podcast shares Corcoran’s reflections
Corcoran wore her “Being Trans” shirt for good reason.
After sporting the shirt for part of the Dodgers game, Corcoran left LA early on a red-eye flight to New York City to see herself on a Times Square billboard.
“Being Trans,” a podcast starring Corcoran and three other trans people, advertised its series with a big, bright billboard in midtown Manhattan. Corcoran arrived in NYC on June 4 to see the spectacle with her own eyes.
“None of this feels real, even as I’m saying it,” Corcoran said. “I freaked out! I had zero chill.”
Recording “Being Trans” coincided with Corcoran’s facial feminization surgery. The podcast followed Corcoran around for months, giving a glimpse at her everyday life as a trans woman new to LA culture.
Corcoran dealt with various challenges that were recorded on the show. Her experiences delved into her dating life and family trouble, up to her life-changing facial feminization surgery. Corcoran urged people to listen to the podcast so they can learn more about trans people.
“You can learn a lot about our life experiences. You’re going to find a lot more similarities than differences between trans people and everyone else,” Corcoran said.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Chloe Cororan of ‘Being Trans’ honored at Dodgers Pride Night event
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