In an exclusive leaked email obtained by The Daily Wire, Nike’s plans for Pride Month have raised eyebrows, as they intend to host a panel discussion featuring a surgeon known for performing “gender-affirming mastectomies” on children.
The email begins by highlighting this year’s theme, “Together We Are Undeniable,” emphasizing the LGBTQIA+ community’s unwavering commitment to self-determination and progress in the face of recent challenges and restrictions.
Dr. Blair Peters, a surgeon at Oregon Health & Science University, is slated to be a panelist at the event organized by Nike. Dr. Peters openly acknowledges having conducted “gender-affirming mastectomies” on young individuals.
The leaked email promotes a panel and Q&A session scheduled for July 11, featuring key figures such as the Human Rights Campaign, Kaig Lightner from the Portland Community Football Club, and Dr. Blair Peters from OHSU’s Trans Health Program. The focus of the discussion will revolve around policies impacting the transgender community.
Dr. Peters’ controversial tweet from last year, now deleted, revealed their involvement in performing “gender-affirming mastectomies” (top surgeries) for three young adults and adolescents.
A video introducing Dr. Peters titled “Meet OHSU’s Dr. Blair Peters” showcases the surgeon’s motivations, including performing sex change procedures on adolescents. In one instance, Dr. Peters shares the case of a teenager who experienced positive changes following cosmetic surgery, citing their return to school and improved well-being.
The director of the gender clinic at OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital reportedly received $3,114 from Endo Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of a medicine commonly used off-label as a puberty blocker.
Aside from the panel discussion, Nike’s Pride Month celebrations include a “family-friendly” drag story time on July 13. The company plans to host a Pride Community Fair that highlights local queer, women, and minority-owned businesses. The event aims to foster a sense of community and belonging among Nike employees through activities such as a family-friendly Drag Story Time.
Nike’s Pride Month initiatives also involve showcasing their gender-inclusive “Kids One Fit” apparel and screening the film “Changing the Game,” which advocates for the inclusion of male players in women’s sports.
Furthermore, Nike plans to explore “queer ecology” in a conversation with environmental educator Isaias Hernandez, who aims to shed light on the intersectional nature of the climate crisis and its implications for the future of sports.
In addition to sponsoring these events, Nike has committed to providing financial support to various LGBTQIA+ organizations through its Inclusive Community portfolio. GLSEN, an organization dedicated to promoting LGBT cultural inclusion in schools, stands out among the supported groups. GLSEN has published educational materials like the “LGBTQ History Coloring Book” and recommendations for inclusive curricula for elementary school educators.
Nike has also pledged assistance to Camp Lightbulb, a nonprofit that organizes overnight camps for LGBTQ+ youth as young as 14.
The email concludes with a message from Heidi O’Neill, the president of consumer and markets and the executive sponsor of the PRIDE Network, Nike’s affinity organization for employees identifying as LGBT.
Nike representatives have yet to comment on the leaked email.
