A Michigan finance specialist recently made history as the first openly transgender contestant to play the game show “Jeopardy!”
Kate Freeman appeared in two episodes of the hit game show wearing a transgender pride flag pin. She won the show’s episode on Friday and later returned for Monday’s episode, where she was defeated, according to NBC News.
“I spent a lot of time learning and thinking about my gender identity in high school, and a few months before graduating as a transgender and lesbian,” Freeman told MLive in a recent interview. “I’m proud to be outdoors and I know that representation is important.”
Mazel vs. Kate Freeman in winning @Danger tonight. I guess this win makes her the first openly transgender to win a match.
– Peter Fox (@thatpeterfox) December 12, 2020
Writer Peter Fox congratulated Freeman in a tweet, suggesting that she was the first openly transgender person to win the game.
Twice “Jeopardy!” Winner Jennifer Marrow responded to the tweet, clarifying that at least one other transgender person has taken part in the show.
“There is at least one other J! champion who has spoken publicly about being trans, ”she wrote. “A winner of multiple games in the 1990s, although she used a different name and pronouns during her run.”
There is at least one other J! champion who has publicly spoken about being trans, a multi-game winner in the 1990s, although she used a different name and pronouns during her run.
– Jennifer Morrow (@jenniferemorrow) December 12, 2020
Freeman said her time on the show was “both thrilling and nerve-wracking,” the best part being meeting Alex Trebek.
“It really made my childhood dreams come true to be on the show,” she said. “It was an honor to meet Alex before he passed away.”