High School Social Studies Teacher and Coach
Bethesda, Maryland
2012 marked my first year where I made a strong stance on LGBT equality in my school and county. For years I have had the Safe Space poster on display and have had activities for the National Day of Silence and Ally Week. But last year I made it my mission to bring the Changing the Game GLSEN Sports Project: Team Respect Challenge to our school. This easy to administer, but very meaningful pledge emphasizes to our student-athletes how important respect is both on the field of athletics and within the school setting. To date we have had all of our winter and spring teams willingly sign the pledge and we should have every team signed by September 1st! I can tell you from experience that when you present the pledge your athletes will buy in to the concept of respect for all. I have seen player hold other players more accountable for their word choice because of the pledge and witnessed team chemistry grow from the pledge. The GLSEN Sports Project needs to be implemented on ALL teams, and LGBT respect should be as important to a coach and athletic program as practice is.
Resources to help you get back to school
Day of Silence – a day where we recognize the silence many LGBT youth across the country face on a daily basis
What have YOU done to transform you school? What ideas or tips can you provide to other LGBT students overcoming challenges? Share your story with us so that we can share it with world. Together, we’ll be inspired to make this school year even better than the last – for everyone.
2012 marked my first year where I made a strong stance on LGBT equality in my school and county. For years I have had the Safe Space poster on display and have had activities for the 
