Being a mix of a theatre major and a Division I wrestler at the University of Maryland, Hudson Taylor had a unique perspective on LGBTQ+ respect and inclusion in these two very different worlds. He gained national media attention when he decided to wear an LGBTQ+ equality sticker on his wrestling headgear to confront the marginalization of LGBTQ+ people in sport during his time at University of Maryland. This experience ultimately drove him to start Athlete Ally, an organization whose mission is to “end the rampant homophobia and transphobia in sport and to activate the athletic community to exercise their leadership to champion LGBTQ+ equality.”

In this video, Hudson discusses the power that sports holds in our lives. He states that for many, sports make everyone feel part of a larger community. He goes on to say that every time a team, league, or person in a position of power sends a signal that helps to dismantle a form of oppression or discrimination, that signal is heard and seen by somebody, which means that that person might now feel comfortable picking up that baseball or basketball and participating in sport.