‘ Leading the Way: Working with LGBT Athletes and Coaches ’ - An Introduction

1. ‘Leading the Way: Working with LGBT Athletes and Coaches’- An Introduction A CAAWS Webinar with Jennifer Birch-Jones February 4, 2015

2. 2 ‘Leading the Way’ The Need for Resources and Training • Demers study (2011) examined attitudes and beliefs of coaches around LGBT issues found that: • Coaches tend to be unaware of any LGBT athletes on their teams • Coaches did not consider/question the potential well-being of their LGBT athletes • Coaches acknowledge not knowing ‘how to talk’ about LGBT issues • Many coaches, however, demonstrated an open mind and desire to be educated on the topic

3. 3 ‘Leading the Way’ The Need for Resources and Training • LGBT and non-LGBT athletes and coaches confirmed that coaches are key to changing the culture • There is a lot of training available to coaches in Canada but no formal education or training • specific to working with LGBT athletes and coaches • in our own Canadian context and in our own voices • Leading the Way resource developed by CAAWS in partnership with Coaches of Canada and AthletesCAN

4. 4 ‘Leading the Way’ Why CAAWS? • The discomfort with or fear of those who are LGBT is harmful to both those who are and aren’t LGBT: • LGBT-phobic attitudes and actions are hurtful and damaging to lesbians (and gay men) involved in sport. • By implying that women (and men) who play sport (or certain sports) are lesbian (or gay), individuals may avoid sports entirely, thus denying themselves opportunities for positive and healthy experiences.

5. 5 ‘Leading the Way’ Working with LGBT Athletes and Coaches • Understanding LGBTphobia in Sport • Creating LGBT Inclusive Team Environments • Questions and Answers

6. 6 ‘Leading the Way’ Understanding LGBTphobia – The Cdn. Landscape • In Egale’s 2009 high school survey, 26% identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer or questioning and 3% as trans or two-spirit. On a youth-based team of 15-20, that could be as many as 5 or more athletes. • Canada is one of the most progressive countries in recognizing and respecting LGBT rights but legislation alone does not create an inclusive environment. • Sport lags behind; we need to be intentional in our words and actions - coaches must lead the way.

7. 7 ‘Leading the Way’ Understanding LGBTphobia – The Cdn. Landscape • An umbrella term to describe a number of phobias, including homophobia, bi-phobia, and transphobia that encompass a range of negative feelings toward those who are (or assumed to be) LGBT. LGBTphobia can be manifested in hostile or derisive language, or other negative actions directed toward those who are (or assumed to be) LGBT. • A good place to start is understanding some basic LGBT definitions.

8. ‘Leading the Way’ 8 Some Basic Definitions Coming Out / Closeted Bisexual Lesbian Intersex Trans Gender Identity Gay Queer Questioning Heterosexual Two-Spirited LGBT Ally

9. 9 ‘Leading the Way’ Understanding LGBTphobia – Dispelling the Myths • LGBT Phobia is most often based on fear, ignorance, stereotypes, myths, and little or no personal association. • These myths and stereotypes are completely unfounded and extremely hurtful, particularly the sexual predator / recruitment myth. • They reflect very narrow but powerful and persistent societal stereotypes about what is / isn’t gender appropriate.

10. 10 ‘Leading the Way’ LGBTPhobia is Different for Women and Men For Women • Women who play traditional feminine sports, and are suspected of being lesbian, are singled out by other players • Women who play traditionally masculine sports such as hockey are accused of being lesbians. The lesbian label is pervasive and many women will not play these sports because they are likely to be called a lesbian • Female excellence in sport challenges notions of traditional masculinity. If traditional masculinity is coded as ‘strength and endurance’ when women display those attributes we assume they are lesbians • There is a greater openness toward lesbian team members now than 20 years ago. But this acceptance is conditional: knowledge of being lesbian must not go beyond the locker room in order to protect the team’s image and reputation For Men • Sport allows boys to develop their manliness, competitive spirit and strength of character, and become “one of the boys” • Men have their heterosexuality called into question when they play badly or when they choose to participate in a `feminine` sport like figure skating. By definition, men who play badly cannot be heterosexual men – they must be sissies, girls, or they must be gay - attitudes which are both sexist and homophobic • Male sport team locker rooms are often extremely homophobic. ‘The idea that there might be a gay man on the men`s team was unconscionable for other men who, because of the male-to-male intimacy and bonding, need to believe that they were not the object of a male sexual gaze.’ (Symons at al, 2010 p. 43) • Men who play team sports and who are suspected of being gay know that they are likely to be unsafe in change rooms. But John Amechi talks about it being nothing more than a work place

11. 11 ‘Leading the Way’ Understanding LGBTphobia – Hurtful to All • When anyone chooses a sport (for themselves or their children) based solely on perceived gender-appropriateness, when women stay away from sports with a “lesbian reputation”, when boys quit a sport they love because of its “sissy” image amongst his peer group – they lose and sport loses. • Fear of rejection by the coach, teammates, sponsors keep many LGBT athletes and coaches in the closet, and this fear of has a huge impact on their mental well-being, especially for youth and young adults.

12. 12 ‘Leading the Way’ Creating LGBT Inclusive Environments • Taking stock: • how inclusive is your sport organization / environment? • what are your own beliefs? from where does any of your discomfort come? • Your role as the coach: • take a leadership role, regardless of your own personal feelings • you are responsible for creating a welcoming environment that is fair and respectful to all team members • you do not need to agree with everyone’s personal beliefs but you do need to treat everyone fairly and respectfully

13. 13 ‘Leading the Way’ Creating LGBT Inclusive Environments – A Poll • How many of you know someone in your sport or physical activity environment who is (just select one): • a closeted gay, lesbian or bisexual athlete • a closeted gay, lesbian or bisexual coach • a trans(gender) athlete or coach • More than one of the above • None of the above / not sure

14. 14 ‘Leading the Way’ Creating LGBT Inclusive Environments “Athletics teams are, like work teams, made up of people from different cultures, religions, genders, races, abilities, political perspectives and sexual orientations. Working together effectively does not require that one group or another receives special consideration, and, indeed, this would work against effective teamwork. It does not require every member of a team to agree with everyone else on the team about political points of view, sexual orientation, religion or anything else. It does not mean that every member of a team approves of how every other member of a team lives her or his life. The goal of inclusion and respect is that team members recognize and agree to work together respectfully across differences. These goals invite student-athletes and coaches to build a winning team and nurture a team climate in which all members are valued for their contributions to the team and for their individual character and commitment, regardless of their individual identities or philosophies.” Champions of Respect, NCAA, 2012.

15. 15 ‘Leading the Way’ Creating LGBT Inclusive Environments • Be intentional and visible • LGBT athletes and coaches will be looking for signals • the coach’s words and actions should demonstrate respect for sexual diversity and gender identity • when talking about respecting differences, add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list • discuss disrespectful behaviors and / or highlight behaviors that demonstrate the environment that you are trying to achieve • use inclusive language and address language that is not inclusive, even if said in jest and not meant to be hurtful • display signs visibly demonstrating acceptance of those who are LGBT - your organization and / or you personally as an ally

16. 16 ‘Leading the Way’ Creating LGBT Inclusive Environments “Within Canadian sport we aren’t at a place yet that if the coach doesn’t talk about it, or signal that it’s okay, people will somehow know that the coach is okay with it. If no one mentions it or talks about it being okay to be gay, those who are gay and involved with this team will just assume it’s not okay to talk about it and it then becomes something that you hide. And that hiding of a relationship or who you are takes a lot of negative energy.“ (Out Female Olympian, 2013)

17. 17 ‘Leading the Way’ Creating LGBT Inclusive Environments These visible signs demonstrate not only your acceptance of those who are LGBT but your willingness to take a stand on any LGBTphobic actions you experience.

18. 18 ‘Leading the Way’ Creating LGBT Inclusive Environments www.athleteally.com www.stepupspeakout.ca www.youcanplay.org www. sports.glsen.org TRANS*ATHLETE www.transathlete.com

19. 19 ‘Leading the Way’ Creating LGBT Inclusive Environments • Be prepared: • to address inappropriate language and actions • for an LGBT athlete or coach coming out to you • to address locker room concerns • to address dating on the team • when travelling to unsafe places, and • for a trans athlete. • Future webinar planned to dive into these topics with coaches – stay tuned!

20. 20 ‘Leading the Way’ Creating LGBT Inclusive Environments • In summary, coaches lead the way by: • understanding LGBT language and how LGBT phobia plays out in sport for women and men • being committed to creating a welcoming environment for all, regardless of your own personal beliefs • being intentional and visible • using inclusive language, and • being prepared.

21. 21 ‘Leading the Way’ Creating LGBT Inclusive Environments • Organizations can support your coaches by: • educating yourself and your leaders on LGBT phobia and how it plays out in sport and / or physical activity • having a zero tolerance policy for LGBT phobic language, harassment and / or bullying and include this in your codes of conduct, handbooks, employment contracts, etc. • using inclusive language in all your communication (written or oral), including job postings • orienting new staff / volunteers on your organization’s zero tolerance, resources and practices, and • visibly demonstrating your support as an ally.

22. 22 ‘Leading the Way’ Creating LGBT Inclusive Environments • Organizations can start with good policy / code of conduct or standards (coaches, athletes, officials, other members.) / employment contract for coaches / by-laws, etc. • ensure sexual orientation and gender identity included as prohibited grounds for discrimination, harassment and abuse • Coaches of Canada’s Coaching Code of Ethics Principles and Ethical Standards is a good template and can be accessed at: http://www.coachesofcanada.com/files/06-04-01-CodeofEthics.pdf

23. 23 ‘Leading the Way’ Creating LGBT Inclusive Environments • Lots of great resources and initiatives out there: • CAAWS homophobia website, Leading the Way Coach’s resource, workshop, and webinars (more to come – stay tuned!) at http://www.caaws-homophobiainsport.ca/f/index.cfm • Step Up! Speak Out! (for Champions and Allies) • You Can Play • Athlete Ally • Trans* Athlete • It Gets Better • Check out your local LGBT resources as well

24. 24 ‘Leading the Way’ Creating LGBT Inclusive Environments • CAAWS can also help you with: • Executive presentations to Boards (45-60 minutes) • Tailored in-person workshop (2-3 hours) • Tailored webinar (60-90 minutes) • All webinar participants will be receiving an easy to share email from CAAWS with links to; • Leading the Way resource and this webinar • Downloadable web buttons to CAAWS homophobia resources

25. 25 ‘Leading the Way’ Creating LGBT Inclusive Environments – The Goal! "In order for an athlete to compete at their highest level I believe it's important to have a high level of self-worth and confidence. When you are in an environment that accepts you regardless of race, age, religious affiliation, or sexual orientation, then and only then can an athlete really push the limits in competition. I realize there is a separation between what we do and whom we are - but the second we feel as though we have something to hide our performance suffers. This is the best I have ever played and I think it's a direct reflection of being proud of who I am on and off the field." Erin McLeod, Goalkeeper and Olympic Bronze Medallist with Canada’s Women’s Soccer Team in London 2012. Pro Ambassador, Athlete Ally (2013)

26. 26 ‘Leading the Way’ • Any / all feedback welcome, as are additional questions or issues • Contact Information: • Jennifer Birch-Jones • jb-j@caaws.ca • 613-725-7411 • Thank you for leading the way!

27. 27 ‘Leading the Way’ References • Coaches of Canada. Coaching Code of Ethics Principles and Ethical Standards. Retrieved from: http://www.coachesofcanada.com/files/06-04-01-CodeofEthics.pdf • Demers, G. (2011). Coaching lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender athletes: Training needs for Canadian coaches. Retrieved from http://www.caaws-homophobiainsport.ca/e/resources_others/documents/DemersG_Coaching_LGBT_athletes.pdf • Egale Canada. (2009). First National Climate Survey on Homophobia in Canadian Schools. Retrieved from http://egale.ca/extra/CG_Taylor__Climate_Survey__Phase_One_Report.pdf