Here’s an Australian organisation that’s transforming attitudes towards sport. Proud 2 Play is making sport safe, comfortable and inclusive for LGBTQI+ people. Find out how they’re doing it.
CLICK PLAY to listen to my conversation with James Lolicato
Episode 32 Overview
In this episode, an Australian organisation that’s transforming LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex) people’s attitudes towards sports participation – bringing them back to the games they love.
Why do so many LGBTQI+ young people stop playing sports between 16 and 20? And what teaching strategies can we use to turn this situation around – to make physical education and sports environments more inclusive?
Plus, what can you do – if you’re in an unsafe, unwelcoming sports environment?
There’s also the Lightning Round where we’re pushing the edges of participation, body image, pronouns and feeling welcome in sport.
Show Guest – James Lolicato
James Lolicato – Photo supplied
James Lolicato is the co-founder of Proud 2 Play Inc with Ryan Storr. Proud 2 Play Inc. seeks to create safe, inclusive sporting spaces for LGBTQI+ people.
Episode Run-Down
- Introduction
- What do we know about LGBTI people and participation in sport?
- Why do pronouns matter – in sport?
- Why do LGBTI people feel unsafe in Physical Education (Phys Ed) classes or sports?
- Inclusive teaching strategies for Phys Ed
- Practices of an inclusive Phys Ed Teacher
- Why was Proud 2 Play set up?
- Why does the social-relational side matter so much in sport?
- What teaching/coaching strategies work?
- What can you do if you’re LGBTI and want to be out playing sport?
- The Lightning Round
- What’s changed for James – in terms of how he sees sport and himself?
Making Sport Safe, Comfortable and Inclusive for LGBTI people – Resources
- Contact Proud2Play (Melbourne, Australia)
- Out On The Fields – 1st International Study on Homophobia in Sport
- Come Out to Play Report – Vichealth Australia
- The Biggest Game in Town: An Analysis of the AFL’s Vilification Policy – Sean Gorman, Dean Lusher, and Keir Reeves
- Stand Up Events – Challenges sexual and gender discrimination in Australian sports
- Rainbow Laces – Tackles homophobia in sport
- GLBTI teaching resources and support organisations
Making Sport Inclusive for Gender Diverse People
- USA K-12 Policies for Transgender Athletes
- A Guide to Supporting Trans Youth at School – Twenty10, NSW, Australia
Social Justice and Sports Resources
CHECK OUT my ‘Physical Education and Sports Resources with a Social Justice Edge’ page
Support Pushing The Edge Podcast
▪ If this episode got you thinking or inspired you – please share it, rate it, or write a short review of it in Apple Podcasts
▪ Check out the ‘Pushing The Edge with Greg Curran’ podcast archive
▪ Thanks for listening and your ongoing support.
