SportSafe helps implement inclusive programming, policies and public awareness initiatives.
Nevin Caple has been down this road before. As a former LGBT college athlete and co-founder of Br{ache The Silence, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving LGBT inclusion and equality in sports, Caple has seen firsthand how the quality of life for LGBT athletes across the sports landscape needs to get better. And in light of the recent mass shooting at an Orlando LGBT nightclub a mere few weeks ago, she has a renewed sense of purpose.
Last summer, Caple teamed up with former Nebraska football player, Dr. Eric Lueshen, to create the LGBT SportSafe Inclusion Program in order to revolutionize the way college athletic administrators, coaches, recreational sports leaders and professional sports leagues address lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer inclusion.
The program launched last week, in coordination with Pride Month. According to a recent press release, Caple and Lueshen consulted with athletic administrators, coaches and student-athletes across the country, and said that administrators are seeking new ways to engage with student-athletes and staff.
“Athletic administrators not only want to continue the momentum, but also increase visibility of their LGBT inclusion efforts while having a long-lasting impact,” said Caple. “College recruits and athletic department hires will finally be able to identify inclusive athletic departments right on the department website.”
The LGBT SportSafe Inclusion Program uses a new algorithm approach, called the 3-Peat Model. It is designed to help administrators understand how to implement inclusive programming, policies and public awareness initiatives within their respective athletic communities.
Member institutions that actively engage in inclusion will be rewarded with a Gold, Silver or Bronze medallion for the athletic department website, a listing in the LGBT SportSafe national registry of inclusive athletic and recreational sport communities, and exclusive access to Coaches Corner, a comprehensive online resource for LGBT inclusion in sports which provides everything from webinars and model policies to discussion forums and best practices for athletic professionals.
The University of Oregon, Northwestern University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have already signed on to participate in the program. “We are thrilled to partner with three powerhouse institutions who are leading the way for LGBT inclusion in sport,” said Lueshen. “The tragedy in Orlando reinforces the need to increase the visibility of LGBT inclusive spaces, and it’s an honor to have these institutions taking proactive steps to make athletics a place where everyone is valued and respected.”
Caple and Lueshen have high expectations for the program, and anticipate immediate interest. Once they establish the program in college and professional sports, they plan to offer the program to high schools as well. Individuals, including alumni, boosters, coaches and athletes, interested in sharing LGBT SportSafe with athletic administrators and recreational sports leaders, can access the toolkit on the program website.
“The athletic community is ready for a cultural shift as many of us know or love someone who identifies as LGBT,” said Caple. “LGBT SportSafe will help strengthen the entire athletic community as inclusion doesn’t only benefit LGBT people, but all of us.”