Project Overview
McMaster Athletics & Recreation has begun work on a pilot project to build inclusion on university campuses across Canada, with a focus on sport and LGBTQ-identified persons.
Along with CIS, CAAWS, UBC and U of T, our goal is to open a dialogue and take action to build a more inclusive (sport) community. We will share our progress with universities across Canada at the annual CIS meetings in June.
As President Deane noted in Forward with Integrity, "we are an institution devoted to the cultivation of human potential, which we believe cannot be realized by individuals in isolation from one another." We could not agree more, and look forward to working with you to build a sport community where each of us is able - inspired, challenged, supported - to be our very best.
FAQ: Building an Inclusive Community
Why is this project important? For so many reasons. See here, here, here and here, to name a few. And another ~60,000 reasons per day here, too.
What's your goal? Whether a recreational dodgeballer or a professional athlete, the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle as part of a team or community are too important not to be shared with everyone. Our primary goal is to ensure each of us has the freedom to choose and challenge ourselves to be our best in any arena we like - science, arts or sports; gay, straight or transgender; elite athlete or just looking to get active. We also want to bridge gaps in our community. Your sexual orientation and gender identity have nothing to do with how you swing a squash racquet, run the track or dunk a basketball, and most athletes aren't the menacing bullies and 'dumb jocks' portrayed in the media. They're thoughtful, caring people, just like you. Eliminating discrimination based on differences, challenging stereotypes, and embracing diversity are central to this project.
If sexuality has nothing to do with sport, why can't we just leave it be? Historical marginalization is kind of like a poster: You can't leave it rolled up for years and then expect it to suddenly lay flat on the table. It takes work and active advocacy to change perceptions and behaviours.
Who's involved? How do I get involved? The CIS, CAAWS, UBC and U of T make up our partners on this project. At McMaster, we are seeking input of our Marauder athletes and coaches, recreational participants, and our McMaster community at large, targeting users and non-users of Athletics & Recreation services alike. Contact Andrew Pettit if you are interested in learning more and being involved.
Name It, Claim It, Stop It: Active Advocacy
Positive Space training teaches a 'Name It, Claim It, Stop It' approach to redirect hurtful language and behaviour. GLSEN's ThinkB4YouSpeak videos spell it out well...though they could drop the trash altogether.
Tips for Name It, Claim It, Stop It:
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Name It: Identify what was said or done. Claim It: Acknowledge the impact. Stop It: Let them know it's not welcome.
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Just do it! The voices of hate and ignorance can be quite loud. Love, compassion and allies need to be louder. It's not as hard or awkward as you think it's going to be, and there's only one way to get better at it.
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Reject the behaviour, not the person. While it's zero tolerance for the behaviour, if a friend, classmate or co-worker makes a mistake, address it and empower them to make a change. GLSEN's videos are clever, but you may get better long-term results if you can leave the shaming out of it.
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Intent vs. Impact: It may be 'just a joke' to some, but stray bullets still kill. Good intentions are important, but it's impact that matters most.
