Study: LGBT Teen Athletes 'Overwhelmingly Closeted' advocate.com/sports/2018/7/… - new info from 2017 @HRC study
"Sports are a transformative way for students to build social skills and community, but when too many LGBTQ student-athletes are blocked from being their true selves -- we fail them," - @ashlandj11, HRC Foundation director of public education and research
The @HRC report found that 80% of lesbian, gay, & bisexual athletes & 8% of transgender athletes kept their identity hidden from their coaches.
Also: 11% of LGBT young people reported they NEVER felt safe in a locker room. For those who are not cisgender, over 30% NEVER felt safe in a locker room.
Respondents said experiences with homophobic & transphobic coaches & teammates were among the reasons they remained closeted. - @hrc survey
Language shapes spaces and determines how safe LGBTQ people feel within a space.
Language shapes spaces and determines how safe LGBTQ people feel within a space.
Many LGBTQ young people decide it's not worth the trouble to play sports, particularly when sports feel so unsafe. Most LGBT students opted not to play sports at all. 76% of LGBT respondents said they refrain from athletic competition, compared to 32% of non-LGBT people. - @HRC
In the 33 states that have anti-LGBT policies regarding sports participation, only 20% of LGBT respondents reported playing a sport at all. -@HRC
To see states with anti-trans policies, visit transathlete.com
To see states with anti-trans policies, visit transathlete.com
The bottom line: Coaches & administrators must do more to make every athletic space a welcoming place for all. Training & education like that which @youcanplayteam provides is a good start. Can't get the support for that? Do your own research/self education.
Then, improve your language. Eliminate the sexist & homophobic/transphobic language that is so entrenched in sports from your vocabulary, on & off the field. It's often used without thought about the impact. "I didn't mean it like that" is not a valid excuse.
