Resource Guide for Coaches: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Athletes
- The Hidden Opponent Admin
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
Creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ athletes is essential for their mental health, well-being, and overall performance. As a coach, you have the power to set the tone for acceptance and respect, fostering a team culture where every athlete feels seen, valued, and supported. This guide is here to help coaches foster that environment, offering resources and strategies for supporting LGBTQIA+ athletes, building trust, and promoting true inclusion.
Athlete Ally: educates athletic communities at all levels — sport governing bodies, teams, and individual athletes — to understand obstacles to inclusion for LGBTQ+ people in sports and how they can build inclusive communities on their teams or within their organizations.
You Can Play: works to ensure the safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches and fans. They achieve this by creating a community of allies that is able to foster a true sense of belonging.
NCAA: Provide a world-class athletics and academic experience for student-athletes that fosters lifelong well-being.
GLSEN: GLSEN's mission is to ensure every student, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, has a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education.
Positive Coaching Alliance: aims to change the culture of youth sports so that every child, regardless of social or economic circumstance, has access to a positive youth sports experience.
