QUESTION

What do you do when you are on a co-ed team and the men are outwardly uncomfortable with other being gay/LGBTQ+?

Answer

Hi,

It’s a sad truth that the world we live in will always have challenges that we’ll have to face, and it sucks that sometimes things like this are one of them. First, stay confident in who you are. Your identity is valid and important. If you feel safe, try having an open, honest conversation with them about how their behavior affects you. Sometimes, people need to understand how their actions impact others. Seek allies on the team who can support you. And don’t hesitate to involve a coach or authority figure if the discomfort turns into disrespect or harassment. A coach isn’t just there to guide you through the game, they’re there to help keep the relationships on the team steady—it’s what they’re there for. You deserve to feel safe and accepted.

Breanna Stewart
she / her

Breanna Stewart is a forward for the New York Liberty, four-time NCAA Champion, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and a two-time WNBA MVP. Breanna is famous for using her platform as a pro for advocacy, consistently stepping out and speaking up for causes that matter. Breanna, along with fellow WNBA star Napheesa Collier, recently founded Unrivaled, a new pro women’s basketball league, set to offer players equity in the league, and the highest average salary in women’s pro sports league history.