many years in my career was the visibility and representation for people like myself,’ Flores told GQ. ‘In the space of officiating for the NBA, where there are so many eyes watching, there was a part of me that felt like I had to be authentic and bring my whole self to the table.’
Flores began their career as a referee at the collegiate level, officiating games for the NCAA. They then moved on to the G League, the NBA’s developmental league, before finally earning a spot as an NBA staff referee.
In the GQ article, Flores discusses their journey and experiences as a nonbinary and transgender individual in the male-dominated world of basketball officiating. They also open up about the challenges they have faced, including discrimination and self-doubt.
‘When you’re different in any way, shape, or form, you almost have this constant fear in the back of your mind that if you’re not doing well, people might attribute it to that difference,’ Flores said. ‘A lot of my journey in overcoming that imposter syndrome has been about proving to myself that I deserve to be here.’
Flores is not the first LGBTQ+ individual to work as an NBA referee, but they are the first to publicly come out as nonbinary and transgender. This visibility and representation are important steps towards creating a more inclusive and diverse environment within the NBA.
The NBA has been actively working towards fostering a more inclusive and diverse culture in recent years. In 2019, the league hired its first openly gay referee, Bill Kennedy. The NBA also partnered with the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to implement diversity and inclusion training for all teams and league staff.
Flores’ revelation comes at a time when the sports world is becoming increasingly accepting and supportive of LGBTQ+ individuals. In recent years, many professional sports leagues and organizations have taken steps to promote inclusivity and equality, including the NBA, NFL, and MLB.
The reaction to Flores’ story has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their support and admiration for their bravery. NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement praising Flores for their courage and highlighting the league’s commitment to inclusivity.
‘We are proud to have Che Flores as part of our NBA officiating staff,’ Silver said. ‘Their decision to publicly come out as nonbinary and transgender is a powerful message of authenticity and acceptance. It is our hope that their story will inspire others to be true to themselves and embrace their uniqueness.’
Flores’ story serves as a reminder that representation matters, especially in spaces that have traditionally been dominated by cisgender, heterosexual individuals. By sharing their experiences and being visible in their identity, Flores is not only paving the way for others but also challenging societal norms and stereotypes.
As the NBA’s first out nonbinary and transgender referee, Flores is not only breaking barriers but also creating new opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals in the sports world. Their visibility and representation send a powerful message that everyone should be respected, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
In conclusion, Che Flores’ revelation as the NBA’s first out nonbinary and transgender referee is a significant moment for both the sports world and the LGBTQ+ community. Their story highlights the importance of visibility and representation, as well as the strides that have been made towards creating a more inclusive and diverse environment within the NBA. Che Flores’ bravery and authenticity serve as an inspiration to others and demonstrate the power of being true to oneself.
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