E48 Overcoming Obstacles with Clayton Jay Reeves

This episode Clayton Jay Reeves tells his inspiring life story. A trans man, athlete and advocate shares his experiences growing up in a small Iowa town, navigating the challenges of his identity, and ultimately finding community and resilience through American Ninja Warrior. Clayton discusses his difficult upbringing, the process of coming out, and his journey towards self-acceptance and advocacy. Clayton Jay Reeves appeared on seasons 17 and (soon to be) 18 of American Ninja Warrior. The episode is a testament to perseverance, the importance of representation, and the power of community support.

In this episode:

00:17 Meet Clayton Jay Reeves

02:06 Clayton's Ninja Warrior Journey

03:47 Challenges and Resilience

06:43 Coming Out and Family Dynamics

19:35 High School and Identity

30:18 Turning Pain into Motivation

39:17 Spreading Love and Acceptance

41:59 Confronting Misgendering and Leaving for Good

48:07 Building a New Life and Online Presence

01:01:31 Facing Discrimination and Finding My Voice

01:16:49 Discovering Ninja Warrior

01:21:08 Challenges and Triumphs in the Ninja Community

01:35:20 Manifesting Future Goals

01:39:19 Final Thoughts and Gratitude