The Women’s Sports Foundation is committed to creating an athletic climate that is respectful and safe for all people and eliminating barriers to all girls being active and healthy. It Takes A Team! Education Campaign for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues in Sport is an education project focused on eliminating homophobia as a barrier to all women and men participating in sport. Our primary goals are to develop and disseminate practical educational information and resources to athletic administrators, coaches, parents and athletes at the high school and college levels to make sport safe and welcoming for all.
Prejudice against lesbian and bisexual women in sports discourages girls and women from participating in sport out of fear of being called “lesbian.” Homophobic attitudes and policies that target lesbian and bisexual athletes, coaches and administrators perpetuate this prejudice. The practical effects of such discrimination and prejudice are that all female athletes are denied a healthy and fulfilling sport experience and environment.
The Foundation also recognizes that homophobia pervades all of sport, influencing the lives of male as well as female athletes. Addressing homophobia in women’s sport and in men’s sport acknowledges the web of sexism, homophobia and gender oppression that can limit the experiences of athletes of all genders and sexual orientations. It Takes A Team! reflects this inclusive approach to addressing homophobia in sport. Though It Takes A Team! focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues in sport, we are committed to creating athletic climates that are respectful and safe for people of all races, religions, abilities and socio-economic statuses.
Originally called The Project to Eliminate Homophobia in Sport, It Takes A Team! started in 1996, enabled by fundraising efforts by tennis legend, Martina Navratilova. The Project to Eliminate Homophobia in Sport was a collaborative effort among the Women’s Sports Foundation, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the Gay and Lesbian Education Network, the Ms. Foundation, Uncommon Legacy and ASTRAEA. Under the leadership of Lisa Dawn Thompson, the project developed a comprehensive educational kit which was first released in 2002. In 2005, Pat Griffin became director of It Takes A Team! and is continuing the project’s commitment developing and disseminating high quality educational materials promoting sports equality for all.