Teammate
relationships and support can be an important part of an LGBT athlete’s
experience. I asked a few of our members to share about how their teams have
made their experience as an LGBT athlete special by being supportive. As a
teammate, LGBT or straight, you can make a difference!
1.
Tom
Luchsinger, NBAC swimming. After I
came out, I was ready to walk away from the sport of swimming. As a deeply
closeted athlete through high school and college, my sport became my method of
coping with my sexuality. Once I began living an open and honest lifestyle as a
professional, swimming became the most painful part of my day. All of the
feelings of self-hate and distain I had for myself while hiding would come
flooding back to me the second I jumped in the water. I was in so much
emotional pain I would back-out during practice; I’d touch the wall and not
know what we were doing, or when we were pushing off again. If it wasn’t for
the understanding and loving nature of my teammates and coaches at North
Baltimore, I probably would have hung up my suit and goggles for good. If I needed
to talk about what I was feeling, they would listen. If I needed to laugh, they
would crack a silly joke. If I needed to tear up and cry, they gave me space
and let me. They were always there to support me in any way I needed. I’m very
fortunate to have an amazing group of teammates and coaches who know me better
than I know myself. I love them all very much, and I’m forever grateful for
helping me through one of the most challenging times in my life! They helped me
fall in love with the water again!
2.
Conner
Mertens, Williamette University Football. I’d say the biggest way they’ve been supportive is by not
changing how we interacted. It was a blip on a radar and nothing more. Plus when
they were comfortable enough to make jokes and poke fun (not offensively) was
super helpful and special. They just go out of their way to tell me on multiple
occasions that they have my back and won’t let anyone talk bad about me
3.
Chris
Cassingham, University of Mary Washington swimming. There hasn’t been a
specific event that proved their support for me, but whenever the subject of
relationships and dating comes up, my opinion and voice is never met with any
sort of criticism. I’ve always felt completely safe and supported by all of my
teammates. My coach is also a very vocal supporter of LGBT rights and has
always made me feel welcome.
4.
Lauren
Neidigh, University of Arizona swimming. Last summer, 5 of my teammates helped
me take photos with “No Hate” signs and get them circulated around social
media. Some other teams saw it and they joined in and posted photos with the
signs too. It was really special to me because my teammates have always been vocally
and visibly supportive.
5.
Lypheng
Kim, University of Southern California Dragon Boat Team. I think what made it a
positive experience was that they were inclusive in every aspect of discussion.
They made sports a normal experience. I didn’t feel like the odd one out
because I was gay. We would talk about everyday things like live life and
they’d ask, “Soo Lypheng are you dating anyone?” Just the normal random things
we would talk about without making things awkward.
6.
Matt
Korman, University of Texas Swimming. They made me feel as if I had just as
much to contribute to the team as anyone else. It didn’t matter who I was
attracted to. What mattered was how fast I could get my hands on the wall and
being a part of the team.
7.
Mai
Foringer, Germantown Friends School Soccer, Field Hockey, and Lacrosse. My
school is big on being supportive and accepting so it’s a non-issue when
someone comes out. I’ve always been treated like everyone else, nothing changed
when I came out. Back in September/October when I went to the Section 1
conference in New York, a few teammates texted me the night before to wish me
good luck and told me no matter what they loved me unconditionally. So that’s
definitely one of my favorite moments with them.
8.
Alex
Morse. Penn State (Altoona Campus) Swimming. I was open before I went to
college but the first few weeks I decided not to tell anyone and just see how
people reacted to me as a person. When I joined the team I said what the hell
and decided to tell them. They were very supportive and awesome about it. I
didn’t feel excluded or distanced. They were just good people. They made
starting college easier especially since I was one of the few out LGBT students
at our school.
