You Can Play Project’s Post

Our Ambassador Marci Goldberg just competed in a triathlon this weekend--and we want to celebrate them in our latest Ambassador Spotlight! Check out the full blog post on our website. #LGBTQAthletes #Ambassador #YouCanPlay #YouCanPlayProject #Triathlon #Spotlight

We want to congratulate all competing athletes on an incredible year at the Paralympics. We also want to reiterate the importance of true sport inclusion, one of community, belonging, and support, which breaks down societal prejudices and promotes cultural diversity. Together, let's make sport more inclusive visit egale.ca/sportinclusion and youcanplay.org/olympics

To foster true inclusion, it is important to understand the barriers that athletes face. These barriers can be categorized into three main areas: physical, administrative, and cultural. -Physical barriers include inaccessible facilities like buildings, changing rooms, and washrooms, which pose significant challenges for trans individuals participating in sport. -Administrative barriers arise from registration processes and medical requirements that often do not accommodate nonbinary or trans identities, creating additional hurdles to participation. -Cultural barriers involve organizational policies, language use, and attitudes that perpetuate exclusion and transphobia within sport environments. Learn more about sport inclusion barriers at egale.ca/sportinclusion and youcanplay.org/olympics

An international study on homophobia and transphobia in sport done in 2015 by Out on the Fields found that 80% of participants have witnessed or experienced homophobia, with homophobic language being the most common case. When we work towards using inclusive language and behaviour, and fostering safer spaces, we can eradicate abuse in sport and make every athlete welcome to participate with their whole self. To learn more about the importance of inclusion in sport, visit egale.ca/sportinclusion and youcanplay.org/olympics

To recognize all athletes means to appreciate, support, and highlight the diverse experiences of what ALL athletes can bring onto the playing field, including the importance of 2SLGBTQI and gender diverse representation. Let's follow their journeys, celebrate their victories, and stand with them in solidarity. Learn more about our Sport Inclusion campaign at egale.ca/sportinclusion and youcanplay.org/olympics

Today, the Paralympics officially begin in Paris! The Paralympics is the largest international event for athletes with disabilities and helps shine a spotlight to showcase their athletic skills. We wish everyone good luck for those participating in the upcoming games! To learn more about inclusion in sport, visit egale.ca/sportinclusion and youcanplay.org/olympics

We are so excited to announce a new multi-year partnership with Gymnastics Canada Gymnastique and support their amazing work to make all athletes and participants feel welcome in Gymnastics. https://lnkd.in/e8JziMfm

Find local queer sport organizations/teams near you with Egale Canada and You Can Play’s new Sport List Resource - organized by activity and region. To learn at visit https://loom.ly/8lQmB8c