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Both individual and team sports are integral to many children’s upbringing. Early youth programs, offered by local parks and recreation departments, encourage kids to engage in activities like soccer, basketball, gymnastics, or t-ball before they even lose their first tooth. For some, these experiences foster a lifelong passion for athletics, while for others, it’s a clear indication that sports may not be their forte. For LGBTQIA+ youth, the relationship with sports can be complex, often influenced more by their environment than by their personal enjoyment of the activity.
This summer saw a record number of out Olympians (180), and NFL player Jordan Taylor was celebrated for his coming out. However, according to The Trevor Project, participation rates in sports among LGBTQ youth remain significantly lower than those of their cisgender and heterosexual peers. A passion for sports alone isn’t sufficient to keep these kids on the field.
In an online survey conducted between October and December 2020, The Trevor Project gathered insights from nearly 35,000 LGBTQ youth aged 13 to 24 regarding their athletic experiences. The results were revealing: 68% reported they had never participated in sports, while only 32% had. Alarmingly, among those who played, just 4% felt comfortable discussing their problems or emotions with their coach.
Coaches play a vital role, serving as mentors and sometimes parental figures; they should never contribute to an LGBTQIA+ youth’s feeling of rejection. While some queer kids reported hearing negative comments about LGBTQIA+ individuals (18%) or positive ones (16%), it’s crucial for all coaches to affirm their athletes by accurately using names, pronouns, and gender-neutral language. Establishing a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and discrimination is essential in youth sports.
Coaches can profoundly influence whether LGBTQIA+ athletes feel welcomed or alienated. Take 12-year-old Mia from New Hampshire, who has had a positive experience since coming out as transgender. Mia competes in javelin and sprints for her school’s track team. She shared, “It can be a bit nerve-wracking when I excel compared to my female teammates, fearing the school might pull me from the team for ‘fairness,’ but that hasn’t happened.” Mia is the first openly transgender student at her school to compete in sports, thanks to her parents’ proactive collaboration with the athletic director to ensure she receives the necessary support.
Even with supportive environments, hurdles remain. Legislative decisions in various states are making it increasingly challenging for transgender athletes, especially girls, to partake in youth sports. Even in states that allow transgender youth to join teams aligning with their gender identity, logistical challenges like bathroom access and concerns over discrimination can deter participation. Many kids simply want to focus on playing, not worrying about where they can change before and after practice.
Discrimination also extends to sexual orientation. One youth shared, “Some girls in my class won’t let me change in the locker room because they think I’ll stare at them or make advances since I’m a lesbian.” Another recounted, “The locker room was always a nightmare; the athletic kids at my school hated me, and the coaches did too. I avoided sports because of the fear, not a lack of interest.”
Jamie, a nonbinary fifth grader in New Hampshire, expressed a desire for coed teams, saying, “I prefer coed soccer because it feels more comfortable; they don’t just label us boys or girls. I don’t identify as a girl, but not enough people understand that.” Such simple adjustments in language and thoughtful check-ins can foster a sense of belonging for athletes like Jamie.
On the other hand, 16-year-old Alex, a multi-sport athlete aiming for a baseball scholarship, believes most teams would embrace an LGBTQIA+ teammate. “While I can’t speak for everyone, my close friends would support any kid, regardless of their race, gender, or sexuality,” he stated. His sister, Leah, also an athlete, added, “From what I’ve seen, most athletes are quite accepting of queer individuals, whether they play sports or not. The teams I’ve been part of have fostered a supportive community.”
However, this level of acceptance is still an exception rather than the rule for far too many LGBTQIA+ students. The stark contrast in participation rates compared to their cisgender, heterosexual peers highlights a pressing need for greater inclusivity and safety in youth sports. Carrie Davis, Chief Community Officer at The Trevor Project, emphasizes that “No young person should be excluded from the advantages of sports—friendship, fun, and stress relief—based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Sports should serve as a source of affirmation and confidence for all students, especially LGBTQIA+ ones. Yet, the anxiety surrounding misgendering, the risk of being outed, or facing discrimination can strip away those benefits. The fears that LGBTQIA+ athletes grapple with can often sideline them from participating in youth sports.
Those visible queer Olympians we celebrated this summer all started somewhere. Let’s ensure that future Olympians can embark on their athletic journeys within inclusive teams.
If you’re interested in more insights about LGBTQIA+ youth sports, be sure to check out this other blog post.
Summary
LGBTQIA+ youth face significant barriers to sports participation, with a majority reporting they have never engaged in athletics. Environmental factors, including coach support and peer acceptance, play crucial roles in shaping these experiences. While some athletes, like Mia, have positive experiences, many others encounter discrimination and logistical challenges that hinder their involvement. There is a pressing need for more inclusive practices in youth sports to ensure all children can enjoy the benefits of athletic participation.
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