Empowering Team Success with LGBTQ+ Acceptance & Allyship (presented by Sports Equality Foundation)

On behalf of the Sports Equality Foundation (SEF) and the Equality Coaches Alliance (ECA), a non-profit and community advocacy network for LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches, and sports professionals, we will be hosting an educational panel discussion for coaching allies that want to learn to how to create a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ volleyball players and coaches to thrive. In this session we will discuss how to build team-cohesion through diversity and make your volleyball program feel affirming for LGBTQ+ athletes and staff members. This session is designed for every level of coach, club director, and other stakeholder in the volleyball community that wants to learn how to be a better ally and ensure the safety of their team and staff members. Topics covered in this session will include: -The differences in “coming out” personally, professionally, and publicly, and how to support people at each stage of the coming out process -How to make your LGBTQ+ identified recruits, players, and coaches feel safe and welcome on the court, within the locker room and at your program -How to ethically manage team dating -LGBTQ+ allyship resources -Effective use of pride matches and LGBTQ+ initiatives -Building social contracts to build better team dynamics The Sports Equality Foundation is a volunteer-run non-profit that exists to empower LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches, and sports leaders through advocacy and peer support. To learn more about The Sports Equality Foundation, visit https://www.sportsequalityfoundation.org/.