Tilly Lucas-Rodd, an emerging midfielder-turned-halfback in the AFL Women’s league, has had a big few weeks. She had top surgery, which is a gender-affirming procedure that removes breast tissue. Now 29, Lucas-Rodd is the first non-binary athlete to compete for Canada, and they’re telling their story. They hope to encourage other people who might be experiencing similar feelings about their own identity. The surgery marks a significant milestone in their journey, highlighting both personal triumph and broader representation within the sport.
For years, Lucas-Rodd felt the weight of societal expectations regarding gender roles, often resorting to constricting binders to play football. They would have to tape their chest down or wear tight binders, sometimes even while competing, creating further emotional and psychological toll. When surgery was over, Lucas-Rodd experienced a tsunami of happiness and relief. Their secret, it turned out, was a willingness to claim their identity in a deeper, more genuine vein.
Their motivation to tell their story comes from wanting to reach people who might connect with their experience in a powerful way. Lucas-Rodd’s experience is about more than personal fulfillment. While this is a small step, it is definitely a huge victory in allowing non-binary folks have increased visibility in sports. Lucas-Rodd is one of only three players in the AFLW who identifies as non-binary, alongside Tori Grooves-Little and Darcy Vescio. With this rarefied position, Lucas-Rodd hopes to foster acceptance and understanding around the broader idea of community.
A Supportive Community
Support Lucas-Rodd’s incredible journey would not have been possible without the support network around her from teammates, family members to friends. They especially shined a light on Jenna Richardson, a fellow teammate who remained with her in the post-op hospital recovery room. It was this kind of supportive environment that made all the difference in calming what really is a very scary and invasive surgery.
Having been on the other side of that now, it is an incredible relief, Lucas-Rodd stated. You can really psych yourself out with it. Nervousness and anxiety are legitimate emotions that you should feel. Post-op, Lucas-Rodd was hit with an emotional tidal wave of love coming from his teammates. Their acceptance helped to cement his decision to move forward with this life-changing procedure.
Despite this success, Lucas-Rodd is still concerned about how the wider AFL community will respond to their story. Based on past history, we knew the responses to queer topics could be varied. “Whenever I’ve spoken out on queer issues… the comments that were hard to read were probably not from the AFLW community; it was the AFL and the broader Australian community,” they noted.
Navigating Identity
As a non-binary person who identifies as transmasc, Lucas-Rodd wrestles with the intersections of gender. They expressed that their understanding of gender is complex, ever-changing and sometimes even conflicting. “That’s the thing about your sexuality and gender; it’s constantly evolving and ever-changing,” they explained.
Lucas-Rodd’s gender assigned at birth was female, but they do not identify with that gender. “I don’t really identify strongly as my assigned gender at birth,” they shared. “I don’t really feel strongly that I fit into that label as a female, and at the same time I don’t feel like I’m a male, either. I guess I’m in between that.” It’s this nuanced understanding of identity that brought them to identify with the word non-binary.
As they reflected on their previous experience with binders, Lucas-Rodd remembered wearing sizes that just didn’t feel right anymore. “Last year I wore, I think, a size medium or large when I was previously an extra small,” they expressed. In addition to positive cultural shifts, this change has ushered in a physical change. It represents a spiritual release as they begin the journey of living in their authenticity.
Embracing Authenticity
For Lucas-Rodd, the emotional process came full circle with their own surgery, where they found a sense of joy on the other side. They smiled, noted how proud they felt to see themselves freed from the confines of binders. “If I see myself, especially shirtless, I’m like, ‘This rocks,’” they remarked. This declaration highlights an important stage in their journey—the arrival of authenticity and self-acceptance.
They’re candid about their experience not just for their own catharsis. They hope to motivate others who are not far along the same path. Lucas-Rodd hopes that by sharing their story, individuals who feel unseen or unheard may find solace and strength in knowing they are not alone.
Tilly Lucas-Rodd demonstrates the same bravery and strength as they continue to hear the call in their AFLW journey. They love to advocate for more visibility for non-binary athletes. Their experience shows how critical acceptance and support is within sporting communities.
