Aired Jul 24, 2020
Out Players in Men’s Sports
Looking for ways to keep the conversation going about LGBTQ+ issues with your ERG, community group, or PFLAG chapter? Welcome to Something to Talk About, a monthly series designed by PFLAG National’s Straight for Equality program to create conversation about LGBTQ+ issues. Each month we’ll offer an article on LGBTQ+ topics and suggest a few questions you can use to lead a discussion.
We hosted a conversation about this article as a part of PFLAG Connects and Something to Talk About Live on Thursday, July 30. Did you miss it? You can still watch it here!
Have feedback about how your conversation went? Let us know by emailing [email protected].
Article:Â Thomas Beattie: ‘The Next Cristiano Ronaldo’ Could Very Well Be Queer
Source:Â The Advocate
Author:Â David Artavia
Discussion Questions:
- Beattie says that he might not have found the courage to come out if he were still playing professionally today. What has changed in sports that has made it easier for athletes to come out and/or disclose about their identities? Is it getting better?
 - The article discusses the pressure of self-acceptance and need to find supportive allies in order to come out, and how, in the absence of these things, the process can seem impossible. Beyond self-acceptance, what are the other barriers that often keep players from coming out? Have these barriers changed over time?
 - Beattie suggests that young people still face steep challenges that may discourage them from pursuing athletics if they happen to be LGBTQ+-identified. What should parents do to support and encourage queer youth? What can coaches do? What about everyday allies – how can they help make this better?
Ways to watch: