LGBTQ Inclusion and Religion: Seeking Common Ground in Sports Thursday, January 16, 2014

Pat GriffinProfessor EmeritaUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst

Nevin CapleCo-Founder and Executive DirectorBr{ache the Silence Campaign@BTSCampaign

My Story: Finding God’s Love

What are some of the challenges/solutions in finding common ground?

• Lack of diverse voices represented; intersectionality (religion, race, class, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression)– Be proactive and seek out role models for student-athletes

• Unsupportive parents, families or religious communities– Partner with campus multicultural/LGBT centers to identify LGBT-affirming religious resources and

communities

• Claims of “religious-based” department/team values by athletic administrators or coaches– Facilitate inclusion programming focused on changing behaviors, not values– Use inclusive words and descriptions which uplift vs. isolate and marginalize members of the team

or department

Lisa HoweExecutive DirectorNashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce@HoweAbout

Josh SandersHigher Education Committee MemberGO! Athletes@joshbsanders

My Story• Involved in sports ministry for 6 years:

– Summer’s Best Two Weeks, InterVarsity, FCA– Athlete, coach, counselor, and athletic director – “Came out” January 2012– “Reparative Therapy”– Backlash from the Christian Community – GO! Athletes – Outsports

The Catalyst for Change

• “ Sports have the power to change the world, the power to inspire, the power to unite people…”~ Nelson Mandela

Inclusion & Religion• The most challenging, difficult, and painful conversation regarding LGBTQ equality.• The Church• Why?

– 8x more likely to attempt suicide – 6x more likely to experience high levels of depression– 3x more likely to use illegal drugs – 3x as likely to be at risk for HIV/AIDS – Retrieved from http://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy

Common Ground• Effective dialogue involves education • Learning each other’s language:

– Sexual Orientation – “Homosexual” VS “Gay” or “LGBTQ”– “Lifestyle”

• Shared interest • Common ground must drive inclusive policy

Lynn ThompsonDirector of AthleticsBethune-Cookman University@bccad95