Sports remains one of the greatest socialization mechanisms in the world — it communicates values without relying on any one language, and its most successful participants are known and respected globally. And yet, an entire community of people remain systematically excluded from sport.

Athlete Ally believes that everyone should have equal access, opportunity, and experience in sports — regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Our mission is to end the rampant homophobia and transphobia in sport and to activate the athletic community to exercise their leadership to champion LGBTQI+ equality.

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. We hold trainings across the country on college campuses, with front office staff of major sports leagues and institutions like the NBA, NCAA and the MLB and with individual athletes.

In addition, Athlete Ally works to ensure athletic communities are as LGBTQ inclusive as they should be. We work closely with teams and institutions like the NCAA to develop clear and accessible policies around LGBTQ inclusion.

Lastly, we believe athlete activism should be expected and accepted. We incubate athlete activism through our Ambassador Program and organize platforms for athletes and sports institutions to advance LGBTQ civil rights, including mobilizing athletes and teams to voice their opposition to laws and policies that discriminate against LGBTQ people. 

LGBT

Athlete Ally

Hudson Taylor

John Dickinson-Lilley

Nikki Symmons

Margaret L.c. Lu

Carrie Sheinberg

Ariana Beauregard

Ted Rybka

Sydney Taylor

Marty Filipowski

Lara Schenk

Joseph Valentine

Jaspreet Bains

Oly Isadora Cerullo (Izzy)

Ac Dumlao (he/they)

Anna Baeth

Blaine Johnson

The Development Team at Athlete Ally is focused on expanding the organization's reach and impact by recruiting, training, and supporting ambassadors who advocate for LGBTQI+ inclusion in sports. This team fosters relationships with athletic communities, develops educational resources, and facilitates events that empower athletes to become champions of equality. By enhancing awareness and engagement, the Development Team plays a critical role in promoting a culture of inclusivity within sports organizations and institutions.

Development Team

Research Team

Communications Team

Development Team

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Research Team

Communications Team