There was a new organization on campus last year. Many people might not have heard about it, but you should because it’s one that is going to make a difference on our campus and in the world of sports. Athlete Ally is that organization and it is sweeping college campuses as gay rights become more important, which can be seen in the number of states that now have gay marriage and rights the Supreme Court has been granting to gay couples (Gay not only includes men with men, but women with women).
So you may ask who can be an athlete ally?An Athlete Ally can be any person — regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity — who takes a stand against homophobia and transphobia in sports and brings the message of respect, inclusion and equality to their athletic community. Athlete Allies include competitive and recreational athletes as well as coaches, parents, teachers, league officials, sports fans, other sports participants and advocates around the globe. The word “ally” has historically applied to straight allies. But, it's not just about who you are or who you like, it's about what you stand for. No matter how you identify, being an ally means honoring the unique experiences of LGBT individuals and championing respect in your own way. This initiative across the country coincides with several athletes who have come out of the closet. The following athletes are out of the closet:
- Michael Sam who is going to play for the Saint Louis Rams (NFL)
- Darren Young (WWE)
- Jason Collins who plays for the Brooklyn Nets (NBA)
- Brittney Griner who is playing basketball in China (WNBA)
- Megan Rapinoe who played for the US women’s national team (NWSL)
- Robbie Rogers who plays for the LA Galaxy (MLS)
- Orlando Cruz who is the number one featherweight boxer in the world (WBO)
- John Amaechi who played at Penn State and for Orlando, Utah and Cleveland in the NBA
- Sheryl Swoopes who is a three-time Olympic Gold Medalist for the United States (WNBA)
- Billie Jean King who was a professional tennis player (USTA)
- Martina Navratilova who was a professional tennis player
- Athlete Ally is a close partner of the NBA and NBPA on player development and LGBT inclusion. Building on their partnership, Athlete Ally delivers trainings at the NBA Pre-Draft Information Program, at the NBA/NBPA Annual Rookie Transition Program, and at workshops for Team Player Development Directors.
- Athlete Ally is a partner of the NFL Player's Association, and the two came together to support Pride in 2013 with shirts honoring some of the most vocal supporters of LGBT inclusion in the NFL.
- Founder and Executive Director Hudson Taylor worked with Pat Griffin to author the NCAA’s first-ever handbook for college athletes, coaches and administrators on LGBTQ policies and best practices.
- Athlete Ally works with the NFL on player awareness and sensitivity on LBGT issues.
- Marcedes Lewis (NFL Tight End)
- Andy Roddick (ATP Tennis Player-Retired)
- Abby Wambach (Forward)
- Kenneth Faried (NBA Forward)
- D’Qwell Jackson (NFL Linebacker)
- Connor Barwin (NFL Defensive Tackle)
- Omar Gonzalez (MLS Defender)
- Jayne Appel (WNBA Center)
- Yogi Berra (Three-Time MLB MVP)
- David Kopay (NFL)
- Martina Navratilova (WTA)
- Greg Louganis (US Olympic Diving Team)
- Sean Avery (NHL)
- Brendon Ayanbadejo (NFL) Brendon Ayanbadejo was on campus Spring 2014 and gave a talk to Cornell's Athlete Ally in conjunction with the ILR Sports Business Society.
