Stepping Down: Amateur Gay Athletics

Do athletics and sexuality intersect in sports apart from collegiate and professional spheres? Initially it may be a foreign idea, however amateur LGBT sports leagues (which are booming in participation around the country!) are playing in integral role in developing a more inclusive environment for all in the athletic community.

Softball, volleyball, flag football, bowling, tennis, running ... The sports are endless for which there are LGBT specific leagues in major urban areas around the country. NAGAAA, the North American Gay Softball Association acts like the NCAA or NFL offices in governing the myriad of LGBT softball leagues in the United States. There is even an annual World Series that takes place across four different talent divisions in a different city each year. Wow, a league that is competitive, fun and inclusive of not only sexual orientations and gender identities, but of all competition levels as well?

Apparently the NFL, NBA, MLS, NHL, MLB and NCAA have an effective principle based model that stresses equality and acceptance...so there is an answer to our problems! Well not entirely. Yes these leagues are based on both competitive and recreational sporting environments for LGBT people throughout the USA; however, at the end of the day they are amateur. Professional and collegiate sports associations are dealing with high level athletes who are the best in the world at what they do. But what does this mean for best practices?

Well for one, LGBT amateur sports leagues are inclusive of not only gay people but of allies as well. They aren't gender specific, but rather welcoming to all expressions and identities. They help introduce communities to LGBT people and illustrate that they are normal, law-abiding citizens who actually contribute positively to local culture and initiatives. They are helping citizens of the United States understand what it means to be cognizant of fostering an accepting atmosphere.

For one, pro and college organizations and administrators have a model to examine with these leagues in terms of parity and inclusion, but moreover we all have them to thank for breaking a sometimes seemingly rock hard barrier in welcoming everyone of all colors, races, creeds and sexual orientation into the wonderful world that sports is.