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It happened again just last week. I came out of the VC Merch Tent at College Nationals in Madison, WI and found a woman taking a photo of our Everyone is Welcome banner. I said hello and we started chatting about the banner’s message and the inspiration behind it when she took a deep breath and began a story with “my wife and I…”. I smiled and told her a story that started with “my partner and I…”, just to further reinforce her safety in our conversation.
This type of interaction occurs so often at tournaments; it's one of my favorite parts of attending events, and it always stirs a deep reflection within me.
VC Merch Tent at USA Ultimate's Beach Nationals in Virgina Beach.
In the years since we started wrapping our tent in symbols and messages of inclusivity, players, parents, grandparents, and supporters of all kinds have come up to us to share appreciation. There has almost always been one thing that all of those people have had in common - a very slight nervousness when they start the conversation.
Those of us who are 2SLGBTQIA+ community members know what I’m talking about; even if we’re 99% “over it” or have never ourselves been ostracized or overtly marginalized. Or, more likely, we’ve learned to ignore or even laugh along with the micro/macro-aggressions.
The fact that this continues to happen is exactly why we continue to display these banners.
VC banner at TEP in Medellin, Colombia.
There are dozens - hundreds maybe - of athletes at the events we merchandise who aren’t able to be their true selves with their teammates and competitors. How would that feel to you? Does that sound right for a sport based on Spirit of the Game?
For our community and friends of allies, I have an ask of you. This Pride month, and every single day until next Pride month, please take a moment to think about what you can do in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community members you know, play with or against, and haven’t even met yet. You could introduce yourself with your pronouns, speak up when you hear a slur or "joke," wear a Pride-themed piece of swag, or donate to a supportive organization. Then encourage your friends and family to do the same. It’s not that hard to share your privilege with the folks around you who still have to fight for their comfort and safety on the field, court, or in this world.
VC has given away ~4000 Pride-themed wristbands to athletes around the world.
To all those supporters who have chatted with us at events, shared their stories about their gay sister or their trans son or their two moms or favourite coach who was such an ally to them – thank you. Your stories inspire us.
VC Merch Tent at the USA Ultimate US Open Championships.
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