Che Flores, the NBA's first out nonbinary and transgender referee, has entered their second season as an NBA staff referee. They have experienced being misgendered in the past, but being able to identify as nonbinary and transgender has allowed them to feel more comfortable. The NBA has been making strides to be more inclusive and accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, including launching the NBA Pride Collection and hosting its first-ever Pride Game in June 2021. Flores's story is a reminder of the importance of representation in sports.
