For a professional athlete, the sidelines can often be the most frustrating place to be, a sentiment that New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders knows all too well. However, Saunders is not one to remain passive, especially when it comes to advocacy and inclusivity. This summer, he is taking decisive action by organizing a groundbreaking youth football camp specifically targeting children from the LGBTQ+ community, a pioneering effort in the sports world.
The camp, set to take place in Saunders’ hometown of St. Louis on July 5, is a personal mission for the NFL player, who has been inspired by his older brother, Kameron. A dancer and choreographer who has performed on Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour,” Kameron is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Saunders credits him with broadening his perspective on inclusivity and motivating him to create a safe space in sports.
Breaking New Ground in Sports Inclusivity
“My intention with this camp is to unify everybody and just promote positivity and empathy,” Saunders told CNN Sports. “I want anyone with a family member attending sporting events to feel safe and welcomed.” This initiative is not just about football; it is about fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, feels accepted and valued.
Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Saunders has won two Super Bowl rings before signing with the Saints in 2023. His journey through professional football has exposed him to what he describes as “very toxic heterosexual climates” in locker rooms, a culture he attributes to ignorance.
“Ability is ability,” Saunders emphasizes, aiming to dismantle any stigma around LGBTQ+ participation in sports.
Statistics and Societal Impact
According to a recent Gallup Poll, the proportion of American adults identifying as LGBTQ+ rose to 9.3% of the population. However, a report from The Trevor Project highlights that many LGBTQ+ youth avoid sports due to fears of discrimination. Saunders’ camp aims to counteract these statistics by providing a welcoming space for all.
Reflecting on his experiences, Saunders recalls hearing anti-homosexual slurs in NFL environments, often stemming from a lack of awareness about their offensive nature. He is committed to changing these “toxic cultures” and credits his teammates for becoming more accepting over time.
Feedback and Future Aspirations
The announcement of the camp has elicited a range of reactions. While Saunders has received heartfelt messages from young athletes and adults alike, he has also faced criticism. Some detractors argue that “youth and LGBTQ+ shouldn’t be in the same sentence,” a viewpoint Saunders attributes to misunderstanding.
“This is not an attempt to sway any child,” Saunders clarifies. “It’s about teaching acceptance.” He acknowledges that ignorance often stems from learned behaviors and expresses a desire to educate and engage with critics directly.
Looking ahead, Saunders hopes to use the camp as a platform to reinforce the importance of acceptance and empathy. “Let’s break that cycle and educate our children,” he asserts. “We can progress towards a better society by teaching kids to have an accepting mindset from a young age.”
Conclusion: A Vision for Inclusivity in Sports
Through his efforts, Saunders aims to remind the next generation of the “golden rules” of empathy and acceptance. “Everyone has a place in this world, and specifically within sports,” he concludes. The camp is about more than just football; it’s about love for the sport and the community it can build.
As Saunders continues to champion inclusivity, his work stands as a testament to the power of sports as a unifying force, one that transcends boundaries and fosters a more accepting society.
