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Creating Safe Spaces for LGBTQ+ Members

USA Fencing recognizes, respects and appreciates all of its LGBTQ+ members. As such, we are committed to fostering a fencing community that is inclusive and people-centered. This guide was developed to provide best practices to ensure our spaces are safe and affirming for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Everyone deserves to show up as their authentic selves in the sport of fencing and we are committed to ensuring that is the case. Remember, give yourself and your peers some GRACE, we’re on this journey of continuous learning, TOGETHER!

What Does LGBTQ+ Mean?

The abbreviation stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, and the + represents all other genders that are not covered by the other initials.

The use of the acronym is intended to be an all-encompassing way to recognize different gender identities and sexual orientations. The addition of other identities to the LGBT acronym also plays an important role in recognizing and connecting them to a larger community. It also means that these individuals are able to gain greater recognition by society as a whole.

Recognizing and Including LGBTQ+ Identities

The Humans Rights Campaign Foundation created the acronym CHAMPION for anyone and everyone that wants to recognize and include the LGBTQ+ community respectfully. 

Create - safe spaces for all athletes, coaches, and fans at all times — on the field, in the locker rooms, in the stands, at home, and in the community. 

Hold - players, coaches, teammates, and fans accountable for non-inclusive language or actions.

Arm - yourself with information and resources about the laws and policies that impact your LGBTQ players, staff, and their families

Model - inclusive behaviors. Weave respect, diversity, and inclusion into your team’s culture on day one. 

Promote - allyship and respect on and off the field. Your team culture isn’t just formed at practice

Implement - LGBTQ inclusion policies. Make sure you have an inclusive non-discrimination statement, trans inclusive participation policies, LGBTQ-inclusive travel and uniform policies, and a fan code of conduct.

Organize - inclusion training for players, coaches, and parents. Like in sports, it’s hard to improve without practice and learning

Never assume - someone’s sexual orientation, gender identity, pronouns, or experiences.

Creating Safe Spaces for LGBTQ+ Youth

According to the National School Climate Report, 86 percent of LGBTQ youth reported being harassed at school, compared to 27 percent of students overall. School years can be challenging for all students, yet those who identify as LGBTQ often face additional pressures or concerns. There is hope to shift the tide; GLSEN found that half of all youth don't understand that discriminatory language is hurtful, nor do they realize the negative consequences their words have specifically on LGBTQ youth. A few things everyone can do to maximize support for LGBTQ teens and college students include: 

Create a Supportive Community 

  • Have student or faculty-led groups that empower the LGBTQ community and align them with straight allies
  • Promote advocacy and education for the larger student body and provide an outlet for socializing, finding support and encouragement, and talking about the challenges faced in society
  • Provide mentors who can speak to higher leadership on their behalf but also provide a listening ear and an older voice on the challenges they commonly face

Create a Supportive Club Environment 

  • Implement policies and disciplinary protocol that are zero tolerance 
  • Providing seminars or workshops that educate on equal rights for each and every child 
  • Have LGBTQ offices that encourage student advocacy, alumni relations, media awareness, and faculty support. Host events to educate more citizens and provide counseling services to youth facing discrimination

Build Outside Resources

  • There are many local community and online resources that help to create more welcoming learning and living environments for LGBTQ youth
  • These programs will often work alongside colleges to help students find housing, employment, and healthcare services.

In addition to numerous LGBTQ organizations focused on particular age groups, many general programs and initiatives exist, which seek to bolster community, encourage positive dialog, and ultimately security greater equality. Some of the best nationally recognized initiatives are CenterLink, GLAAD, Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association, Get Equal, Human Rights Campaign, and many others.

Tips for being an ally to BIPOC who are LGBTQ+

  • No experience or journey is the same. It is common for queer people to have experience as part of multiple marginalized communities. Our identity(ies) intersect to create unique experiences for all. For example, A Black, indigenous or a person of color (BIPOC) could also identify with the (dis)ability community or face poverty or homelessness. To be an ally, take the time to listen to the experiences of marginalized people and help support safe spaces for LGBTQ people to live openly and authentically. 
  • Support and advocate for the most marginalized communities. The LGBTQ community will not achieve full equality as long as LGBTQ people of color face oppression and marginalization on the basis of race. Transgender women of color continue to face blatant discrimination and an epidemic of violence simply for being who they are. Be an active and fierce advocate while still providing space for LGBTQ people of color to be heard. 
  • Embrace leadership, share stories and highlight contributions. To be an ally means listening to LGBTQ voices and respecting how identities show up. Elevate LGBTQ voices by promoting art and music, voting, and incorporating LGBTQ people in spaces to engage with others. Continue to share the rich and diverse narratives that highlight the unique LGBTQ experiences. 

Best Practices to create a welcoming and Inclusive environment to the Transgender and Non-Binary Community

  • Listen. It is important to listen to transgender and non-binary people, especially when it comes to their own experiences. Even if you think you can’t empathize, it is important to try your best to understand what your transgender and non-binary friends and loved ones are experiencing. We are looking for people who support us and trust us — the best way to start is by listening.
  • Respect boundaries. Learn and respect the boundaries of your transgender and non-binary friends and loved ones. Some transgender and non-binary people love to share our stories, and others of us prefer that you first educate yourself. Respect is one of the first and most powerful steps toward allyship.
  • Be an active supporter. Publicly support transgender and non-binary people, especially the ones you know personally. Be our advocates, especially when we’re not around — that’s usually when we need it the most.
  • Normalize pronouns. It is important to normalize the use of your pronouns when you introduce yourself to others, follow up by asking for others’ pronouns, and correct people when they use incorrect pronouns for someone else — even if that person is not in the room. We also recommend putting your pronouns in your email signature, on your nametag and other places where you introduce yourself in writing.

Here are some easy ways to demonstrate support that fit naturally into most people’s lives

  • Create social settings that bring your straight, cisgender and LGBTQ friends and family together. 
  • Talk openly and honestly with your LGBTQ loved ones about their lives.
  • Find opportunities to talk openly with your straight and/or cisgender friends about your LGBTQ friends and family and the issues they face. 
  • Make sure that you include the partners of your LGBTQ loved ones in events and activities, just as you would any other friend’s spouse or significant other. 
  • If you hear an anti-LGBTQ comment or joke, speak up and explain why such comments or jokes are harmful and offensive. 
  • Integrate inclusive language into your regular conversations, professional interactions and/or spiritual life