Ashlyn Harris has had quite the career.
As a FIFA Women's World Cup Champion and Olympian, the skilled athlete has paved her own lane in the world athletics, especially in terms of queer visibility and female superstardom.
Although her professional accomplishments are very impressive, Harris' personal life has taken over headlines for her complicated divorce from fellow soccer player Ali Krieger and new relationship with actress Sophia Bush. Bush and Harris were accused of cheating on their former partners as their relationship began, which both stars have vehemently denied.
Now, Harris is starring in her own raw and vulnerable documentary where she finally opens up on the difficult journey she's experienced as a notable queer woman involved in very publicized relationships.
"It was just time to put some closure on my career. To be able to live this life that I have for so long, to win gold medals, to play for the US team... it's really cost me a lot. I didn't have a linear path and it wasn't easy by any means," Harris tells Out.
Many celebrities typically keep their personal lives very private or have a hard time admitting they've made mistakes throughout their careers, but Harris hopes her authenticity can reach queer people who may experience similar struggles.
"Every day I show up and I try to be better for my partner, for my kids, for my community to be the best version of myself. This doc shows that I don't always get that right either and that's okay! We are human."
Harris is also prepared to get mixed reactions to her documentary as she's well aware of all of the backlash she's received as a public figure, but she's not paying any attention to people who want to assume the worst.
"People are going to have opinions. They always do. That is unfortunately the world we live in. I could beat myself up about all of the critical things people are going to have to say about me, but if it helps one or two kids feel seen, that's all I care about. That's all that matters to me."
As Bush and Harris approach their three year anniversary this October, the soccer star is happy to finally live a life where she's dedicating her energy to her family and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
"This is why I fight so hard and advocate so hard for trans youth in sports and safety of queer kids in sports. It saved my life! This is a love story, not just about me and Sophia, but this is a love story to myself. Not one moment or one chapter in my life defined me."
Gamechangers: The Ashlyn Harris Story premieres today on Roku Channel. To see the full interview, check out the video at the top of the page.
