KAPLAN-LEVENSON: There was just one problem. KAPLAN-LEVENSON: And what feels so good about that feeling of, like, going black, of, like, nothing? That's what it feels like - kind of go quiet, if that makes sense, kind of just a blob that exists. PARKER PARKER: Just imagine a blank piece of paper that's black, and there's just nothing.
KAPLAN-LEVENSON: But for the teenage field hockey star Parker Parker, running up and down the field is where he feels most at peace. LAINE KAPLAN-LEVENSON, BYLINE: To an outsider, field hockey practice can sound hectic. And a note - this story mentions Suicide. It includes the story of a teenage athlete from Ohio who feels forced to sacrifice a part of himself in order to keep playing his sport. NPR's Embedded podcast has a new series about trans youth called All The Only Ones. People who support restrictions on trans athletes often say they are protecting girls' sports by keeping trans girls from playing, but the same restrictions can also affect transmasculine athletes. states ban transgender youth from competing on sports teams that fit their gender identity. In the political conversation about trans youth rights, sports teams have been a major focus.
