Dear [Name],
During our Inclusivity in Sport panel this May, panelists shared their experiences within the sports world and agreed that there’s more work to be done to make physical activity more inclusive. Patti Flynn, an out queer trans woman and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, said, “I make sure my visibility is out there, so someone can see themselves in me, even if it’s just one person."
Because visibility matters.
It matters to our young people – to see themselves represented in others. To feel comfortable and grounded in their identities, whatever those identities might be.
Sport can be a powerful, catalytic tool for youth empowerment, but only if youth feel safe and welcome in those spaces. Existing research finds that LGBTQ youth participate in sports at lower rates than their straight and cisgender peers, with LGBTQ youth athletes reporting that they feel less safe in sports environments (source). Chicago Run believes that everyone is a runner and that all young people deserve the opportunity to be themselves, to have positive role models, and to have limitless possibilities. That is why our non-competitive programming is not just inclusive of but designed for young people of all identities and abilities.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in making sport accessible for all young people – not just Pride month, but every month.
In solidarity,
