We love connecting with our Ambassadors!
This week, we're highlighting Kao Lawrie, a non-binary hockey player and LGBTQ+ advocate!
What is your sport?
Hockey.
What made you want to become a You Can Play Inclusion Ambassador?
I am a queer trans nonbinary hockey player living in a small coastal community. I understand what it is like to be excluded from sport through lived experience . I am the organizer of TTHE (This Tournament Has Everything) annual hockey tournament in Sechelt (shíshálh and Squamish Nation). It is a womens/trans/non-binary inclusive draft hockey tournament focused on creating a safe, encouraging and supportive space for players. Approximately 1/3 of our players identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. I have been super grateful to have been able to travel around North America at other inclusive tournaments meeting other organizers and players. You Can Play aligns with my values and I think having a more developed platform and resources to be able to share and reference would be helpful.
Do you have any icons you look up to in your field?
Jessica Platt is an incredible human. I had the pleasure of playing with her at the Seattle Pride Classic a few weeks ago and the way she held herself on and off the bench was super inspiring. She was present and genuine and wanted to elevate everyones game. I've also spent some time talking with Luke Prokop and Carly Jackson who were incredibly friendly and keen to engage and provide support for players. All have made effort to support inclusive 2SLGBTQIA+ hockey tournaments.
I’ve also been lucky in connecting with other inclusive hockey organizers and being part of such a supportive community has been super encouraging as I prepare to climb back into late nights of spreadsheets and planning for TTHE third annual tournament in March 2025.
What advice would you give to people who want to become more involved in LGBTQ+ activism in sports?
Build things that are important to them. Connect with folks in their community, but also through the power of social media there are ways to find more likeminded people. Help uplift and support other initiatives that align with their values. Teamwork makes the dream work.
You can learn more about Kao @kaotiktendancies
Want to become an ambassador? Go to www.youcanplay.org/ambassadors to learn more!
Want to be featured as an ambassador? Fill out our Ambassador Highlight Form!