As an identifying member of the LGBTQ community, or as an ally, you can contribute to a more positive and inclusive environment for all teammates. The GLSEN project educates athletes on how they can help. By following the link below you'll find resources for athletes to help guide your understanding of fostering a welcoming community.

Understanding the landscape of inclusion at your own school or team is the first step to making change. What are the specific issues you and your community face? What role can you play in improving upon these issues?

The next step is to come up with a game plan to support your LGBTQ community. Here are 3 steps you can take:

1) Judge teammates on character, not sexual orientation.
2) Work closely with members of the LGBTQ community and learn to respect everyone's individual identities.
3) Come up with policies and best practices together to create a safe space.

To read a more detailed game plan, click the link below.

The GLSEN Sports Project is an education and advocacy program focused on addressing LGBT issues in K-12 school-based athletic and physical education programs. The program was launched in March 2011 with an advisory group consisting of Hall of Fame, Olympic and National Champion athletes, award-winning journalists, former college athletic directors and current professional, college and high school coaches.