CeCe Telfer: A Profile in Courage

By: Zach Draves

Authentic, unique, and extraordinary: that is how to describe CeCe Telfer adequately. 

Not only a superb track and field stand out at Franklin Pierce University, but it also epitomizes the essence of a trailblazer. 

(Courtesy: NCAA.org)

She is an openly unapologetic black transgender woman who is chattering her path. 

CeCe has done that since growing up in exotic settings under challenging circumstances. 

“I grew up in Canada and Jamaica in a strict conservative lifestyle and heteronormative lifestyle,” she said. 

“It was hard, and I feel like I was forced to close who I was. “

During this time, Cece developed a love for sports and showcased her talents in true renaissance fashion. 

She played volleyball and tennis as well as competing in cheerleading and gymnastics. 

Eventually, CeCe found her place in track and field, and that would take her to Franklin Pierce. 

(Courtesy: OutSports)

She garnered national attention in 2019 when she qualified for the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships, ranking third in the 60-meter hurdles and seventh in the 200-meter dash. 

CeCe finished sixth in the 60-meter hurdle finals and won her favorite event, the 400-meter hurdles. 

At that moment, she broke barriers and became an inspiration for the transgender community. 

(Courtesy: Twitter)

Perfect Timing

Her accomplishments and visibility mattered. They came at the right time against the backdrop of a surge in trans representation in sports, society, and popular culture. However, she faces vicious backlash from institutionalized transphobia, epidemic rates of violence and harassment (particularly against black and brown trans women), and dangerous narratives that demagogues promote. In other words, the best and worst of times.

CeCe endured a system that polices her athleticism and mocks her identity, most notably from Donald Trump and his followers.

“It’s been pretty rough. It’s been a roller-coaster ride,” she said. 

“Anyone that was involved with me was getting death threats with me. I didn’t know how to handle all that.”

“I’m trying to be me. I am trying to live my truth.”

The good news is that CeCe embraced the moral truth and races towards breaking the ultimate glass ceiling. 

She is setting her sights on becoming one of the first openly transgender Olympians.

“It would mean the world to me when I am on that stage; that is my dream.”

She knows that she is not alone in her journey and acknowledges her platform and support system as her safety net. 

With that platform, CeCe hopes to see more become active, well-informed participants in democracy as a means for becoming the change we seek. 

“Voting is important. Getting involved and raising awareness. They have to want to become educated,” she said.

“Ask questions, educating, voting, and spreading that allyship.”

Furthermore, she credits one of her idols, Harriet Tubman, for asserting her identity as a strong woman and standing on the shoulders of those who came before her. 

Freedom Fighter

CeCe Telfer is, in her own right, a freedom fighter. 

(Courtesy: OutSports)

She stands in her truth without compromise and refusing to let broader social and gendered structures force her into conformity. She continues the rich tradition exuded by Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Miss Major Griffin Gracy, LaSaia Wade, CeCe McDonald, Andrea Jenkins, Raquel Willis, Laverne Cox, MJ Rodriguez, Angelica Ross, Andrya Yearwood, Terry Miller, and others. 

She signifies an audacity of hope.

(Courtesy: OutSports)

Expect to see further greatness to come from a genuine profile in courage.