Description

Join Carlette Patterson, Head Sports Life Coach® & CEO of Patterson Sports Ventures®, Mark R. Allen, M.D. and Peak Performance Psychiatry, LLC, and Chris McLaughlin, MSW, LCSW and NASW Maine Executive Director Inspired Consulting Group, LLC, to learn about authentic allyship within athletic environments and how to be a CHAMP10N in supporting others being their authentic selves.

Winning Strategies:

1. Begin by educating yourself and others. Understand where bias and stereotypes originate and eradicate the ideas of what masculinity or femininity “should” look like. Recognize how stigma continues to affect the LGBTQ+ populations and stand up for and support teammates or coaches no matter where you are to demonstrate true allyship.
2. “All Sports for All People''. Implement inclusive language into your everyday vocabulary, especially around youth athletes. Young LGBTQ+ populations face barriers participating in athletics and are significantly less present within youth sports, so it is essential to start at the bottom so children can feel more comfortable participating.
3. “The power of story moves hearts to then move minds”. Get to know your neighbors or teammates’ stories. The more we can learn from others’ experiences and perspectives, the more we can fight against present bias and stigmas. Let others know your authentic self and embrace the idea of belonging.