Maven Maurer, the first professional football player to come out as trans, publicly shared her story at the Unity Summit in Hinton, Alberta. Formerly known as Mike Maurer, a CFL player and MMA fighter, she began her transition at 46 after a realization at 44, embracing her true self despite potential challenges and societal scrutiny. Her journey includes acceptance from former teammates and a continued close relationship with her ex-wife.
Maven Maurer, first pro football player to come out as trans, tells her story
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Maven Maurer, the first professional football player to come out as trans, publicly shared her story at the Unity Summit in Hinton, Alberta. Formerly known as Mike Maurer, a CFL player and MMA fighter, she began her transition at 46 after a realization at 44, embracing her true self despite potential challenges and societal scrutiny. Her journey includes acceptance from former teammates and a continued close relationship with her ex-wife.
Trending- 1 Childhood: Mike Maurer bullied, learned to be strong.
- 2 High school: Started playing football, dressed in drag for pep rally.
- 3 1996: Attended Roughriders training camp.
- 4 1997: Joined Saskatchewan Roughriders.
- 5 13 years in CFL: Played for Roughriders, BC Lions, Ottawa Renegades, Edmonton Elks; won two Grey Cups.
- 6 2020 (age 44): Realized she was a trans woman after a near-death experience.
- 7 Over a year after revelation: First ventured outside as a woman in Regina.
- 8 January 2023: Started working as a train conductor, living full-time as a woman.
- 9 Last summer (2024): Attended BC Lions 2000 Grey Cup team induction in Vancouver.
- 10 This spring (2025): Shared her story at the Unity Summit in Hinton, Alberta.
- 11 Recently: Divorce from Hayley finalized.
- Maven found contentment and authenticity
- Her marriage ended but they remain friends
- She lost some people but gained support from others
- She faces negative social media comments but has self-love
- She inspires others
What: Maven Maurer, a former professional football player (Mike Maurer), publicly shared her story of transitioning to a trans woman. She discussed her past as a male athlete, her realization at 44, and her journey of self-acceptance and transition.
When: Maven shared her story this spring (2025) at the Unity Summit. She realized she was trans in 2020 (at 44). She began living full-time as a woman in January 2023 (at 46). Her Grey Cup team was inducted into the BC Place Wall of Fame last summer. Her divorce recently became final.
Where: Jasper, Alberta; Hinton, Alberta (Unity Summit); Saskatoon; Regina (Taylor Field, Safeway, pot store, board-game shop); Vancouver (BC Place).
Why: Maven chose to transition for survival and happiness, to live authentically after a lifetime of feeling disconnected and trying to fit in. She shared her story to uplift people and spread joy.
How: Maven underwent hormone treatment and breast augmentation. She moved to Jasper to start a new life. She publicly shared her story at the Unity Summit, showing photos of her past and present self.