Illinois Athletics Wraps Up Pride Month with Open Letters

An open letter penned by Illinois Volleyball middle blocker Cari Bohm as we celebrate Pride Month…

“Dear fellow NCAA student-athletes,

An undeniable truth of mine is that sports have changed my life for the better. All of my most treasured memories, friendships, and core life lessons have come from sports. I credit my positive experience with sports as the reason I am who I am today: someone I am proud to be. For many of us, sports are such an incredibly positive space because they are a place where we can show up as our authentic selves, unreservedly. They embody values we love like fairness, equality, and deep human connection.

Unfortunately, the sad reality is that far too many LGBTQ+ athletes do not feel safe expressing their true selves when they step on the court or the field. The Human Rights Campaign reported that “84% of Americans surveyed have witnessed or experienced anti-LGBTQ attitudes in sports”. This statistic is disheartening, and it is clear we have work to do.

What gives me hope is that we, as student athletes, have the power to change the game. Athletes inherently have the privilege of visibility and a platform, and with that comes the responsibility to use it to make positive change. I encourage you to be the voice for those that feel silenced. Your voice is powerful as an athlete. Use it to spread kindness, support, and love for all of your teammates, on and off the court. I encourage you all to call out the casual homophobia and transphobia in your locker rooms, use inclusive language when talking with your teammates, and continue to educate yourself and each other on these matters.

I owe thanks to the current and former teammates that have made sports a place where I not only feel safe, but also encouraged to show up as my authentic self. If we can all commit to being the type of teammate that betters the life of even just one other person, imagine the magnitude of change we can achieve together.

Inclusion starts with us. It just takes one person to stand up for what is right, and people will stand behind you. Let us use our collective power to make sports a welcoming and accepting environment for everyone.

Thank you, and happy pride month.”

Some resources to continue reading on this matter:

Human Rights Campaign

The Trevor Project

Athlete Ally

An open letter penned by Illinois…