Allyship Week with You Can Play is here, and we’re spotlighting the importance of creating inclusive, supportive spaces in sports for LGBTQ+ athletes, fans, and communities. Statistics show that only 4% of LGBTQ+ youth feel they can be completely open about their identity in sporting environments, while over 80% of athletes still hear homophobic slurs in locker rooms and group chats, which contributes significantly to anxiety, withdrawal from sports, and mental health challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals. These hostile environments affect participation and well-being, reducing the chances for LGBTQ+ athletes to thrive in the sports they love.
But we’re flipping that narrative. This Allyship Week, You Can Play is proud to feature allied teams, athletes, ambassadors, and partners, all of whom are committed to fostering an atmosphere of respect and inclusion. Throughout the week, we’ll celebrate those who stand up, speak out, and ensure that everyone—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation—has the opportunity to participate safely and authentically.
If you’ve ever found yourself in a homophobic group chat, the conversation can feel outdated and exhausting; sometimes the best response is something as simple as, “Are we still doing this?” This simple retort disarms hate with a dose of reality, making it clear that outdated attitudes no longer have a place in modern discussions. Another way to call it out might be, “I thought we left homophobia behind with flip phones,” shifting the conversation with humor while reinforcing the idea that inclusivity is not just a preference—it’s the standard.
Allyship is about more than words—it’s about action, commitment, and making sure that sports are a place where everyone belongs. Join us all week long as we highlight those working to make sports a true home for all athletes, regardless of their identity. Let’s make sure that locker rooms, stadiums, and group chats reflect the best of us—where equality and support are the loudest voices in the room.
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