artificial insemination kit for humans
Both individual and team sports are integral to many children’s lives. Early involvement in programs through local parks and recreation is a common way for kids to explore activities like soccer, basketball, gymnastics, or t-ball before they even lose their first tooth. For some, this fosters a lasting passion for athletics, travel teams, and friendships that feel like family. For others, it can confirm that sports just aren’t their thing. For LGBTQIA+ youth, the experience often embodies both feelings.
Queer youth have diverse encounters with sports, which frequently relate more to their surrounding environment than to their enjoyment of the activity itself. Despite a growing number of openly LGBTQIA+ athletes, including a record number of Olympians, statistics from The Trevor Project reveal that participation among LGBTQ youth is significantly lower than that of their cisgender and straight counterparts. A genuine love for sports is not the sole factor that keeps these kids engaged in athletics.
The Trevor Project conducted an online survey from October to December 2020, gathering insights from nearly 35,000 LGBTQ youth aged 13 to 24 about their sports experiences. The findings were revealing: 68% reported never participating in sports, while only 32% had. Among those who played, a mere 4% felt comfortable discussing any issues or emotional struggles with their coach.
Coaches play a vital role as mentors and parental figures for many young athletes, and it is crucial that they do not contribute to the exclusion of LGBTQIA+ youth. Whether queer kids hear negative comments about LGBTQIA+ individuals (18%) or positive ones (16%), it is imperative that coaches actively affirm their athletes by using correct names, pronouns, and gender-neutral language. Establishing a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and discrimination is essential for fostering a supportive atmosphere in youth sports.
For LGBTQIA+ athletes, the presence of an understanding coach can mean the difference between feeling safe and included or rejected and discouraged. Fortunately, 12-year-old Jamie from Vermont has had a positive experience since coming out as transgender. Jamie competes in javelin and sprints on their school’s track team. They shared, “It has been a little intimidating at times, especially when I excel compared to my teammates, but my school has been supportive.” Jamie is the first openly transgender student at their school to participate in sports, thanks to their parents’ collaboration with the athletic director to ensure they received the necessary support.
Jamie’s mom, Lisa, expressed her initial anxiety, saying, “I was so nervous at the first meet, but thankfully, nothing negative happened—just as it should be for all kids. Jamie has had welcoming teammates and plenty of support.” Unfortunately, in many states, legislation is making it increasingly challenging for transgender athletes, particularly girls, to participate in sports. Even where policies allow transgender youth to join teams that align with their gender identity, issues like restroom availability and fear of discrimination create barriers to participation. Children want to engage in sports, not worry about where they can change before and after practice.
Discrimination can also target a student’s sexual orientation. One youth reported to The Trevor Project, “Some girls in my class don’t want me in the locker room because they think I’ll stare at them because I’m a lesbian.” Another shared, “The locker room was always a nightmare. The athletic kids at my school looked down on me, and the coaches seemed to do the same. I avoided participating in sports out of sheer fear.”
Alex, a nonbinary fifth grader, felt torn about which team to join on their town’s soccer team. “I prefer a coed team because it makes me feel more accepted; they can’t just label us as girls or boys. I don’t identify as a girl, but not everyone understands that.” A simple adjustment in language and a check-in from coaches can make a significant difference in creating a welcoming atmosphere for athletes like Alex.
Sam, a 16-year-old multi-sport athlete, expressed the importance of inclusivity in sports. “I can’t speak for every team, but I know my friends would support any teammate, regardless of their background or identity. However, I recognize that attitudes vary, and not everyone may share this acceptance.” His younger sister, Mia, also a multi-sport athlete, commented, “In my experience, most athletes are generally accepting of queer kids, and the teams I’ve been part of have built a supportive community.”
While this should be the norm, it remains an exception for too many LGBTQIA+ students. The stark contrast in participation rates compared to their straight, cisgender peers indicates that more efforts are needed nationwide to create an inclusive and safer environment for queer youth in sports. Carrie Davis, Chief Community Officer at The Trevor Project, states, “No young person should miss out on the benefits of sports—friendship, enjoyment, and stress relief—because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Athletics should serve as a source of affirmation and confidence for all students, particularly LGBTQIA+ youth. Yet, fears of misgendering, being outed, or facing discrimination can overshadow these opportunities. Such fears may keep LGBTQIA+ athletes from participating in youth sports altogether. The successful LGBTQIA+ Olympians we witnessed this summer had to start somewhere. Let’s ensure that future athletes can begin their competitive journeys in inclusive environments.
For more information on this topic, consider checking out other resources such as this article or Make A Mom, which is an authority on home insemination. Additionally, for excellent insights on fertility services, visit Johns Hopkins Fertility Center.
Summary:
LGBTQIA+ youth face significant barriers to participating in sports, despite their desire to engage. While many coaches and peers can create a supportive environment, negative experiences and discrimination can discourage participation. With lower participation rates than their cisgender and straight counterparts, there is a pressing need for inclusive practices in youth athletics. Creating a welcoming atmosphere is crucial for fostering the love of sports among LGBTQIA+ youth.