Last week, Athlete Ally celebrated a number of individuals who have been instrumental to advancing the support of LGBT athletes across the sports world. But even as the organization celebrated the likes of former NFL defensive end Michael Sam, former NBA star Grant Hill, former NBA commissioner David Stern and women’s tennis pioneer Dr. Renee Richards, there was a notable absence in collegiate LGBT athletes and supporters from the program.
As athletic departments — and college campuses overall — continue to work on their diversity and inclusion plans, making a safe space for athletes who are not only gay or lesbian but also transgender or those who may be transitioning has to be a priority, say experts.
“Less than 20 percent of intercollegiate athletic programs are even having a discussion about LGB, much less transgender issues/concerns. There is a long road ahead for athletics and they need to find the starting line,” said Shane Windmeyer, executive director of Campus Pride.
NCAA Director of Gender Inclusion Amy Wilson said the omission is not likely due to malintent.
“I don’t think that [it’s] an unwillingness to do it, as much as it’s just not on schools’ radar,” she said of athletic departments making a concerted effort to create welcoming environments for LGBT students.
Windmeyer said schools’ progress on the issue of LGBT inclusion “depends on the area of the country, the resources on the campus, type of campus, type of sport, etc. There are many variables.”
Unfortunately, he said, “Much of the responsibility for a safe learning environment and even sports environment falls on the back of the out LGB student or student-athlete. When it comes to trans issues, there is complacency and lack of impetus — unless there is concern of a Title IX issue. All of this is reactive, however, and at the detriment of the trans individual. Some campuses are beginning to pay attention to trans issues for that reason.”
