What steps can I take to ensure future generations of queer athletes have a more inclusive experience?
"I think that starts with really being yourself.
Everybody is going to go at it in their own way. I know for me, it wasn't being combative or being demanding, it was really proving what I can contribute to the team. And how I can help push our goals, I think that's gotta be number one.
If you look at queer athletes and straight athletes, the one thing in common is (the word) 'athletes.' Now obviously there's bigger implications when you think of the inclusivity of queer athletes, there's a bigger piece to it, but I think it's a real humanistic piece.
You gotta think it starts with great relationships and, like I said, being a good teammate, being a good person, and then just kind-of normalizing it. It's not to say that it's not a big deal, but I think as queer athletes we have to show, 'Hey, we're an equal part of this. We have goals the same way that straight athletes have goals. We want to win just as much as you guys want to win. We want to be a part of a team just the same. And our contributions are equal. Maybe our contributions are more.'
But find an even playing field, find something that brings everybody in common, which is sports. Which is being an athlete. I really draw to that — draw to the positive sides of it and eliminate as much negativity surrounding it. Really focus on you, focus on being a positive impact and positive influence on your team and on the environment created around the team and the culture. And I think that's really how you create that inclusive experience for queer athletes moving forward."
Kevin Maxen is a former college football player and the current associate strength coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars.