Both individual and team sports are integral to many children’s lives. From park and recreation programs to the simple need for parents to keep their kids active, opportunities abound for children to try their hand at soccer, basketball, gymnastics, or t-ball before they even lose their first tooth. For some, this leads to a lifelong passion for athletics, travel teams, and friendships that feel like family. For others, it can be a sign that sports just aren’t their thing. For LGBTQIA+ youth, the relationship with sports can be complex – filled with both excitement and challenges.
Experiences for queer youth in sports often hinge less on their enjoyment of the activities and more on the surrounding environment. Although there were a record number of out Olympians this past summer (180), and NFL player Jamie Reid was celebrated for his coming out, data from The Trevor Project reveals that participation rates among LGBTQ youth are significantly lower than those of their cisgender and straight counterparts. A passion for sports is not the only factor influencing whether a child stays on the team.
In a survey conducted by The Trevor Project from October to December 2020, nearly 35,000 LGBTQ youth aged 13 to 24 shared their athletic experiences. Remarkably, 68% indicated they had never participated in sports, while only 32% had. Among those who did play, a mere 4% felt comfortable discussing issues or emotions with their coaches. Coaches should be mentors and supportive figures, not another source of rejection for LGBTQIA+ youth.
Whether queer youth have encountered negative (18%) or positive (16%) comments about their identities, it’s crucial for coaches to foster an inclusive atmosphere by using correct names, pronouns, and gender-neutral language. Establishing a strict no-tolerance policy for bullying and discrimination can help create a safer environment in youth sports.
Coaches can significantly impact whether LGBTQIA+ athletes feel welcomed or discouraged. For instance, 12-year-old Alex from Vermont, who identifies as transgender, has had a positive experience since joining her school’s track and field team. She excels in javelin and sprinting, sharing, “At times, it has felt scary, especially when I perform really well compared to my female teammates and worry about being removed from the team for ‘fairness’, but thankfully, nothing has happened.” Alex is the first openly transgender student at her school to participate in sports, and her parents worked closely with the athletic director to ensure she had the necessary support.
Alex’s mom, Sarah, expressed her initial anxiety: “I was so nervous at the first meet, but thankfully, everything went smoothly, which should be the norm for all kids. She has received a warm welcome from teammates and a lot of encouragement.”
Unfortunately, several states have enacted laws that hinder transgender athletes, especially girls, from competing in youth sports. Even in areas where transgender youth are allowed to join teams that align with their gender identity, logistical issues like restroom access and the fear of discrimination can create barriers. Children want to participate fully, not worry about where they’ll change before or after practice. Discrimination often extends beyond gender identity to include sexual orientation as well.
One youth shared, “Some girls at my school don’t want me to change in the locker room with them because they fear I’ll stare at them or hit on them because I’m a lesbian.” Another noted, “The locker room was a nightmare. The athletic kids at my school couldn’t stand me, and the coaches were unsupportive. I avoided sports because I was terrified, not because I was uninterested.”
Jordan, a nonbinary fifth-grader in Vermont, expressed the struggle of selecting a team for their local recreation soccer league. “I prefer a coed team because it feels more comfortable. They won’t just label us as girls or boys. I dislike being called a girl, but there aren’t enough people who understand.” Small changes in language and regular check-ins can help athletes like Jordan feel more accepted.
Bennett, a 16-year-old multi-sport athlete aiming for a college baseball career, shared his perspective as a cisgender, straight male. When asked about the inclusiveness of his teams towards LGBTQIA+ members, he replied, “I can’t speak for every team or all cis males, but my close friends would support any teammate, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. It’s harder to gauge the treatment of LGBTQ+ kids in school, but I believe my friends and I respect everyone.” His sister, Emma, a fellow athlete, added, “Most athletes I’ve seen are very accepting of queer kids, even those who don’t play sports. All the teams I’ve been part of have fostered a supportive community.”
While this should be the standard, it remains an exception for too many LGBTQIA+ students. The significantly lower participation rates compared to their straight, cisgender peers highlight the urgent need for more inclusive and safer environments in youth sports. Carrie Davis, Chief Community Officer at The Trevor Project, emphasizes, “No young person should be excluded from the joys of sports — friendship, fun, and stress relief — due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Athletics can and should be a source of affirmation and confidence for every student, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community. However, the fear of being misgendered, outed, or discriminated against can hinder their involvement, keeping LGBTQIA+ athletes sidelined. The queer Olympians we recently celebrated had to start somewhere; let’s ensure that all future Olympians have the chance to begin their athletic journeys on LGBTQIA+ inclusive teams.
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Summary: The participation of LGBTQIA+ youth in sports is significantly lower than their straight and cisgender peers, often due to a lack of supportive environments. While many queer youths want to engage in athletics, barriers such as discrimination and fear of rejection hinder their involvement. Positive experiences exist, as shown by individuals like Alex, but comprehensive changes are needed across youth sports to ensure inclusivity and safety for all athletes.