As of today, Ohio native Amy Schneider is a 24-time “Jeopardy!” champion with earnings just shy of $900,000. But the accolades she racked up while on the show have garnered Schneider much attention — and not all of it wanted. While the “Jeopardy!” genius says she’s mostly received positive messages and comments on her Twitter page, a few nasty anti-trans trolls have, of course, surfaced from the muck and mire in which they inhabit.
Not surprisingly, Schneider continues to strike back, demonstrating that not only is she brilliant but she’s damn witty, too.
“I’d like to thank all the people who have taken the time, during this busy holiday season, to reach out and explain to me that, actually, I’m a man,” she wrote in a powerfully pointed post on Dec. 31. “Every single one of you is the first person ever to make that very clever point, which had never once before crossed my mind.”
I’d like to thank all the people who have taken the time, during this busy holiday season, to reach out and explain to me that, actually, I’m a man. Every single one of you is the first person ever to make that very clever point, which had never once before crossed my mind 🙏
— Amy Schneider (@Jeopardamy) December 31, 2021
But Schneider has many LGBTQ+ people on her side for being the first trans person to qualify for the “Jeopardy!” Tournament of Champions. And she’s broken many records already, including for most wins by a woman after her 21st win. Currently, she is fourth for both the number of games won and highest winnings and is fifth for all-time winnings. Her incredible winning streak has rightly won her many admirers who are sticking up for her on social media.
“Haters gonna hate and you are going to continue to rise,” reads one response to Schneider’s tweet. “We love you, Amy! Your run has been amazing and you represent the community so incredibly well.”
Haters gonna hate and you are going to continue to rise. We love you, Amy! Your run has been amazing and you represent the community so incredibly well 🥰❤️😘
— snackeryc773 (@snackeryc773) December 31, 2021
Another viewer, with a trans child, was also appreciative of Schneider’s efforts.
“As a former contestant (@KenJennings 26th game) and the parent of a young trans woman (who did quiz bowl in HS & college), it’s been great to watch you,” reads another tweet to Schneider. “Congratulations on your streak and on having the grace to take the high road with these trolls and troglodytes!”
As a former contestant (@KenJennings 26th game) and the parent of a young trans woman (who did quiz bowl in HS & college), it’s been great to watch you. Congratulations on your streak and on having the grace to take the high road with these trolls and troglodytes!
— Michael Vance (@mavNU91) December 31, 2021
Another message illustrates how Schneider is changing minds and hearts across the country.
“Somehow, after 2-3 years of conversation, you being on ‘Jeopardy!’ every night has taught my dad to be accepting of trans people. You’re the first person he’s used correct pronouns with, a[n] 83-year-old man, saying ‘This isn’t too hard.’ Thanks for your message of love.”
Somehow, after 2-3 years of conversation, you being on Jeopardy every night has taught my dad to be accepting of trans people.
You’re the first person he’s used correct pronouns with, a 83 year old man, saying “this isn’t too hard.”
Thanks for your message of love ♥️— clauds (@yungcowboy_) December 31, 2021
Schneider said in a Twitter post from last year that when she first started on the show, she tried to downplay her trans identity.
“I also didn’t want it to seem as if it was some kind of shameful secret,” read a November tweet. “While it’s gratifying to know that people didn’t necessarily know I was trans until they read about it, I do want people to know that aspect of me. I think being trans is really cool!”
But I also didn’t want it to seem as if it was some kind of shameful secret. While it’s gratifying to know that people didn’t necessarily know I was trans until they read about it, I do want people to know that aspect of me. I think being trans is really cool!
— Amy Schneider (@Jeopardamy) November 26, 2021