Where does President Biden’s new “Equality Act” fit into the world of sports and more specifically, what does it mean for our kids?

At Kids in the Game, we believe every kid should have a chance to play. We share a common goal to provide positive experiences and opportunities through sports and creative play. Today, we want to unpack President Biden’s new ‘Equality Act,’ and how it fits into the world of sport across the country, as well as right here in New York City and in our programs. 

Within weeks of his inauguration, President Biden has hit the ground running by immediately placing executive orders in numerous departments. Several of his statements have been on the topic of health care reform, COVID-19 vaccine rollout, immigration policies, and more. As an organization rooted in youth development, each of these pieces are pivotal in our recovery from the past year. One topic that received mixed reviews in the press was Biden’s executive order to prevent discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. This has particularly sparked discussion in the context of athletics — and who can and can’t compete.

So what does this mean for youth sports? How does this legislation help or hinder inclusion in our space?

Throughout history, the inclusion of non-cisgendered athletes on specifically men’s or women’s teams has been a frequent point of contention. Critics of non-cisgender inclusion on gender-specific teams (e.g., non-cis women on women’s teams) often rely on negative stereotypes based on gender and capability as the basis for their argument. Some would say the addition of these athletes creates an imbalance or inequity because they cannot compete at the same level as cisgendered athletes; they are either athletically superior to cisgendered women or inferior to cisgendered men. Some critics even suggest that women’s-only sports are meant to provide a space for women to compete at a level that requires less athleticism. However, history has shown this to be untrue given the number of women who now dominate the sports world. Athletes like Abby Wambach or Serena Williams prove that division on the simple basis of gender in sports is becoming more and more irrelevant when determining who is the “best.” 

Skeptics of non-cisgender inclusion in men’s and women’s sports also reference muscle mass capability and hormone production as reasons why inclusion might create inequities. However, when Caster Semenya, a Black South African runner who identifies as a woman, wowed viewers around the world with  her insane speed, the public’s reaction was telling of a much greater societal issue. Even her fellow sprinters used slurs and discredited her success by promoting negative stereotypes about her body and gender, with some even going so far as to allege that she was a man competing in women’s sports. Countless media outlets covered this event and its discourse, all the while only skimming the surface of the issue at hand. What they were pushing against was not her speed, her athleticism, or her credibility in general — it was her femininity and gender expression that they were not okay with. Her body was ridiculed for its “masculine” characteristics because it did not conform to public perceptions of what women should look like. These biases are also evident in the argument to exclude non-cisgender athletes because they do not conform to what others perceive as the traditional gender expression of men and women athletes. 

President Biden’s executive mandate to end basic discrimination based on gender identitiy or sexual orientation has major implications for athletics and youth sports particularly. This bill is not dissimilar to the actions that arose from genderless bathroom mandates back in 2014 (ACLU). By publishing this order, especially so soon into his presidency, President Biden is setting the tone for the next four years — creating a society that is hopefully moving away from hatred and discrimination, instead of towards it. This gives us great hope for our team, our kids, and our community. 

Some may argue that this will come as a disadvantage to girls and women in sports (Wall Street Journal). Here are a few reasons we don’t think that’s true. By creating a space that is free of discrimination based on sexuality and gender identity, this bill is simply providing a more welcoming and inclusive space for all participants. To include everyone is to progress the environments in which we live. Especially in youth sports, many children who have gender dysphoria or may be questioning their gender / sexual orientation often feel pigeon-holed into a binary choice, due to the existing structure of men’s and women’s athletics. This is likely a driving factor of athletes dropping out around the age of puberty and into high school, something we are working every day to address head on. By upholding these anti-discrimination clauses, coaches can break down the barriers that have harmed many youth — while at the same time, starting the conversation about our divisions in athletics altogether. 

Last year, one of our 2020 resolutions was to improve equal participation between girls and boys in our programs. Whether in after-school, on our sports teams, in our camps, or years down the road, we want to encourage our young female leaders to be in the game and stay in the game. We’re particularly focused on the alarming rates of drop-out for girls in middle school sports. As we continue to progress, we’re asking ourselves new questions. 

Is only two categories of teams enough? Why are so many of us still hesitating to have that conversation? Where are those feelings really coming from? How can we, as an organization committed to greater inclusion, acknowledge the discomfort felt by some to create space for more youth to excel?

Inclusion for all includes non-binary and transgender people. By enforcing a ban on discrimination on the basis of sexuality or gender identity, the tone of the sports industry is being shifted for good. In the case of youth sports and development, an inclusive environment goes far beyond helping kids become strong athletes.  The benefits for each child’s individual growth include  increased social intelligence, as well as heightened emotional intelligence and perception. 

One of the core reasons we exist is to foster a positive sense of self in kids. We are also committed to fostering equity and inclusion in our programs, giving every child a sense of belonging, the opportunity to succeed, and the chance to build their confidence. 

The Equality Act, as it has been named, provides non-discrimination protections for the LGBTQIA community that goes beyond athletics. The bill can be seen as a supplement to the 1964 Civil Rights Act — which does not have any mention of preventing discrimination on the basis of sexual identity or expression. In many instances, this might go unnoticed in our day-to-day lives. However, for many, having these words amended to governmental level legislation is an enormous stride in the direction of equality and justice for all. 

The Civil Rights Act was a hard fought piece of legislation, and we are still working to protect the basic civil rights of marginalized groups, regardless of their ethnicity, race, or religion. With the Equality Act expanding rights for the LGBTQIA community, we are hopeful that  sexual orientation and gender expression will continue to be respected and protected well into the future. For now, we still have work to do.

Learn more about the basics of the Equality Act here.

At Kids in the Game, we are grateful to be a part of an organization that values the unique voices and contributions of our staff, families, and kids. We believe in the collective power we have as a community to use our actions and voices to create a better world. During the month of February, we took the opportunity to highlight Black voices and achievements, and celebrate Black culture in our community.  Check out this piece ‘Why We Celebrate Black History Month,’ written by our very own Coach Akeem!

As we celebrate the success and aspirations of Black Americans in this short month of February, we are still trying to fight the racial oppression that Black Americans face in this country.

A large problem in Black communities is police brutality and the treatment of Black Americans by law officials. It’s important that now more than ever, we as a nation need to improve on the treatment of Black Americans, as even I do not feel safe around authority figures that are supposed to serve and protect. From there, we see the mantra of Black Lives Matter.

In recent years we have seen public figures, companies, and organizations come out to support the Black Lives Matter movement to fight against and ultimately eliminate the racial discrimination of Black Americans and police brutality. We have even seen this in the national sports spotlight with contributions from the NBA and WNBA.

Some NBA players took leadership to publicize this matter during the end of the 2020 season while they were in the ‘Bubble’ at the Orlando facility. Players openly talked about their opinions on the unlawful killing of Breanna Taylor, Jacob Blake, George Floyd, and others that included police officials. In addition to this the National Basketball Players Association agreed to have players wear social justice messages on their jerseys and even have Black Lives Matter printed on the court. After the death of Jacob Blake, some teams refused to play in protest. The walkout by the Milwaukee Bucks before a playoff game in August to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake set off a chain reaction among pro sports.

WNBA players took their protest to another level by leading demonstrations and refusing to play without the support of the league. These protests included teams wearing shirts that spelled out Jacob Blake, and instead of wearing league approved attire, they wore Black Lives Matter shirts during warm-up, which ultimately cost them a fine from the league. They held back nothing on how they felt about these events, and some would say the WNBA had a clearer impact than the NBA for the sacrifices they made for the cause.

Here at Kids In The Game, for Black History Month, I would like to continue to publicize Black Lives Matter by educating our kids and program participants on certain Civil Rights Leaders and Black Americans that either helped the progress of freedom and social justice for Black Americans or contributed to the American life we live and know today.

I understand that children are more exposed to popular media that can exploit Black culture in negative stereotypes. I want the next generation to learn that the color of their skin does not dictate who you are or who you become. This work doesn’t stop when February ends. Let’s use Black History Month as a tool to learn about the past and seek solutions to overcome racial inequality for the future.

Written by Akeem Morgan

Coach Akeem (left) was born in Brooklyn, New York. He started working with Kids in the Game as a Camp Counselor at our Inwood location in 2016. Since then, he’s worked as a Sports Specialist, Esports Coordinator, and worked in several schools around the city. In all the programs Coach Akeem has worked, he has brought energy, commitment, and experience to his coaching. He is a valued member of our team, and in 2020 was awarded the Kids in the Game Sports Programs Coach of the Year.

8 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month and Become a Better Ally

1. Visit a Black History or Civil Rights Museum in your local area
   1. 15 historic sites to visit in NYC
   2. Black History and Culture Sites NYC
2. Donate to a Black organization
3. Read a book by a Black author
4. Cook: 17 Favorite Black History Month Recipes to Celebrate BHM 
5. Learn about an unsung hero of Black history
   1. 14 Black History Heroes You May Never Have Heard Of 
6. Sign up to receive news from a Black organization
7. Read Dr. King’s I Have a Dream Speech
8. Support local NYC, Black-owned restaurants

Spotlight: Naomi Osaka

“International Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December — the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is a milestone document that proclaims the inalienable rights which everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Available in more than 500 languages, it is the most translated document in the world.”

United Nations

At Kids in the Game it is our mission to provide positive experiences and opportunities through sports and creative play for all youth across New York City. Over the last year, education equity and equality has come to the forefront of conversation across the world alongside the Black Lives Matter movement, and the Kids in the Game Foundation has looked to do our part by creating scholarship funds such as The Real MVP Fund and the Continuing Education Fund.

As an organization we feel that is our job to continue to spread the message of equality not just through our words but our actions. In a year where our country and the world has been devastated by the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is important to acknowledge the necessity of equality for all people so we can recover together.

As a team we’ve made a commitment to educate ourselves and the people around us. And today, we are taking the time to learn about athletes who have used their platform for activism. Our spotlight today shines upon Naomi Osaka. Many know Osaka as the uber talented tennis player who came from a set down to win her second US Open title this year. She then became the No. 1 player in the world, all before the age of 23. 

Just a couple of days ago, Osaka won the 2020 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year activist athlete award. And yes, all the on court success contributed, but it was her work off the court that had the biggest impact. Naomi used her platform to raise awareness and shine light on racial injustice and police brutality across the United States and the rest of the world. 

Months before the US Open began, Osaka took the time to visit Minneapolis, specifically the exact spot where George Floyd was brutally murdered by police. These moments of reflection and education are what helped inspire Osaka to use her platform. On the biggest stage in tennis, she would wear a mask with his name on it. For his family, for his community, and for all Black Americans.

Just a month before the US Open began, Osaka was a semifinalist in the Cincinnati Tournament, where she withdrew to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake. Many allowed this to be their moment to speak out, but Naomi made sure her actions spoke as well. She knew this moment was larger than just tennis. 

“By wearing seven masks at the U.S. Open— with a new one for every round, each honor­ing a different Black victim of police violence or a racist attack—Naomi made an extremely powerful statement. Every time she walked out to play people were talking about which name was going to be on the mask. Breonna Taylor. Elijah McClain. Ahmaud Arbery. Trayvon Martin. George Floyd. Philando Castile. Tamir Rice.”

Sports Illustrated

At the US Open Naomi brought so much attention to these stories. She is the leader of the next generation of young and amazing women in sports, and she is teaching us all about the impact we can have on the world.

Last year, our team at Kids in the Game looked at celebrities whose values best align with ours, and Michelle Obama was who we found fit best. As Naomi took the world by storm, she was listening to “Becoming,” Michelle Obama’s audiobook. Neither of those women asked to be thrust into the spotlight the way they have been, but they are aware of the position they hold and their weight to affect change. It is important that we as an organization understand how we can affect change, too. Where we channel our resources to make the most impact. As coaches, teachers, and athletes, we can have open and honest conversations with each other and our students, as a voice for kids across NYC. 

Our Core Values

• Inclusive We embrace individual strengths and backgrounds.
• Committed We join together to work, play and grow as a team.
• Positive We lead by example through sincere positivity.
• Empathetic We respect each other, our families and our kids.
• Ambitious We challenge ourselves to constantly pursue growth.

 It is vital that our coaches embody these core values and show youth across the city that no matter where you come from, you can spark change.

Written by Pranav Vaid

The week before Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, people and organizations around the country participate in Transgender Awareness Week to help raise the visibility of transgender people and address issues members of the community face.

At Kids in the Game, we’re working to create more visibility by observing Transgender Awareness Week internally and celebrating the achievements of trans athlete Chris Mosier to inspire others and promote inclusion. On Tuesday our team participated in a learning session that included listening to a podcast on intersectionality and the LGBTQIA experience featuring Barbara Smith & Lady Pyhll. Barbara is a Lesbian feminist and socialist who has played a significant role in Black feminism in the United States since the early 1970s. Lady Phyll is Co-Founder of UK Black Pride & Editor of Sista: an anthology of writings by LGBT women of African/Caribbean descent with a connection to the United Kingdom. 

Through this session and open conversations amongst team members, we are working to create a more inclusive environment. As an organization, we strive to meet kids where they are, integrate communities and welcome people of all backgrounds. 

Athlete Spotlight: Chris Mosier

Chris Mosier is a trailblazing transgender athlete and thought leader on LGBTQ inclusion in sports. Chris is Vice President of community relations and program development for You Can Play, an organization that ensures safety and inclusion across all sports for LGBTQ players, coaches and fans. 

In 2019, Mosier joined the Board of Directors of Point of Pride, a non-profit that works with trans people in need of gender affirming programs. Mosier is also a USA certified triathlon coach, as well as a coach and Ambassador for the Empire Triathlon Club in NYC since 2012. 

Chris Mosier has dedicated his life to sports and the importance of respect and inclusion within them.  In 2015, Chris earned a spot on the Team USA Sprint Dualiton Men’s Team for the 2016 World Championships. In 2016, Chris made history as the first known transgender athlete to compete on a U.S. national team based on his gender identity and not his assigned gender at birth.

After competing at the highest level, Chris took on a new challenge, dedicating his life to educating and empowering the world on the importance of inclusion. He is now known as the go-to source for policy and information on trangender people in sport. He also created ‘transathlete.com’ a resource for students, athletes, coaches, and administrators to find information about trans inclusion in athletics at various levels of play.

Did you know?

24% of the LGBTQ say they play a youth sport, compared to 68% of all other youth. 

youcanplayproject.org

83% of fans surveyed believe that an openly gay spectator at a sporting event would not be safe. 

thechrismosier.com

When we understand these statistics, we realize the importance of education and inclusion. Simply saying we recognize all people isn’t enough, and we have to be proactive and open in creating these spaces. This starts with educating ourselves and continuing to learn more every day. When we allow ourselves to take on those challenges, we start to feel confident enough to educate and give support to others. There is also a balance in knowing it’s okay to ask questions when you are unsure. We’re allowed to be wrong. And we must practice active listening. Active listening shows care, an eagerness to learn and commitment to better yourself. 

Chris’s mission highlights what we believe in at Kids in the Game. He uses his  platform to educate, demonstrate and lead by example. He understands that kids can often feel as if they don’t have a voice, and he challenges himself to be that for them.  As coaches, co-workers and role models it is our job to lead by example and create a safe place for kids and the people we work with to feel accepted. At Kids in the Game, one of our ultimate impact goals is to develop emotional intelligence in youth and help our kids form impactful long term relationships. Both are not possible unless we fully embrace the differences in people and educate ourselves. When we are able to do so, the mission of creating accepting, nurturing and educated environments is possible, and we are all able to be the best people we can be.