NFL player Khalen Saunders has announced the launch of an LGBTQ+-friendly youth football camp at the GLAAD Media Awards 2025. He emphasized the need to create a supportive space for LGBTQ+ youth in football, a sport traditionally dominated by heterosexual norms. Following his experiences at the Pride Football Clinic, Saunders aims to encourage participation among those who often feel marginalized due to their sexual orientation. The camp, scheduled for July 5, is a collaborative effort with GLAAD and the NFL Pride Football Combine, responding to societal challenges against inclusivity in sports.
It feels as though there's not really a space for the LGBTQ+ community in the very male-dominant and heterosexual dominant sport. Being an ally is more than just saying 'I support', but it's also showing up.
These are people that feel they have to be hidden. And although they love the sport, they might love the NFL, they might love football in general as a sport, they kind of shy away from it because of orientations or other outside things. That's my goal to continue to spread positive energy around that because football is for everybody.
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