Tuesday, June 6, 2023
PRIDE Month: What You Need to Know
Summer is officially here, and for most of the country that means warmer weather and extra sunscreen in our pools. While we adjust chlorine levels, let’s reflect on and remember how we can champion our LGBTQ+ friends, teammates and family throughout the month.
Every year, PRIDE month is observed June 1-30. It aims to celebrate the accomplishments and spread awareness of the LGBTQ+ community through education, festivals, parades and community events.
One of the most common questions USA Swimming receives regarding the LGBTQ+ community is what to do if a club has an LGBTQ+ swimmer? The answer is simple – treat them the same as you did before they came out. When an individual comes out, it is easy for people to view them as a different person, when in reality you just know more about them.
USA Swimming has great resources for supporting your LGBTQ+ swimmers, coaches, officials or volunteers. This includes the Athlete Support Plan, which can guide parents, athletes, coaches, officials and team support staff through potential questions and conflicts that may arise around a transitioning athlete.
Continue below for additional ways to learn, support and be an ally this month.
Register for an Educational Opportunity
Every month, USA Swimming’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) staff hosts FREE educational opportunities for members. This month, the DEI team will be kicking off its three-part series surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. In the first session, LGBTQ+ 101, the DEI team will discuss who makes up this community and how to be a better ally.
Understanding Who is Part of the LGBTQ+ Community
A unique aspect of this community is how it encompasses different demographics. Members can identify with multiple races, ethnicities, genders, occupations or any other identifying categories. Ultimately, the LGBTQ+ community can include people from all areas of the USA Swimming membership.
To get more information on resources to support the LGBTQ+ swimming community, please visit USA Swimming’s DEI website here.
Every year, PRIDE month is observed June 1-30. It aims to celebrate the accomplishments and spread awareness of the LGBTQ+ community through education, festivals, parades and community events.
One of the most common questions USA Swimming receives regarding the LGBTQ+ community is what to do if a club has an LGBTQ+ swimmer? The answer is simple – treat them the same as you did before they came out. When an individual comes out, it is easy for people to view them as a different person, when in reality you just know more about them.
USA Swimming has great resources for supporting your LGBTQ+ swimmers, coaches, officials or volunteers. This includes the Athlete Support Plan, which can guide parents, athletes, coaches, officials and team support staff through potential questions and conflicts that may arise around a transitioning athlete.
Continue below for additional ways to learn, support and be an ally this month.
Register for an Educational Opportunity
Every month, USA Swimming’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) staff hosts FREE educational opportunities for members. This month, the DEI team will be kicking off its three-part series surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. In the first session, LGBTQ+ 101, the DEI team will discuss who makes up this community and how to be a better ally.
Understanding Who is Part of the LGBTQ+ Community
A unique aspect of this community is how it encompasses different demographics. Members can identify with multiple races, ethnicities, genders, occupations or any other identifying categories. Ultimately, the LGBTQ+ community can include people from all areas of the USA Swimming membership.
To get more information on resources to support the LGBTQ+ swimming community, please visit USA Swimming’s DEI website here.