The LGBTQ2SIA+ Athletic Advocacy Group aims to provide an inclusive and supportive environment and community across McMaster Athletics & Recreation through education, programs, and social events. We strive to provide educational resources for coaches, staff, athletes, students, and fans, to increase knowledge about LGBTQ2SIA+ rights and how to manage LGBTQ2SIA+ issues, particularly in sport.

Our group aims to create a supportive community not only for McMaster athletes, but all participants who engage with McMaster athletic services. This is done through a variety of social events throughout the year. We also advocate for inclusive spaces across sport including gender inclusive changing areas, inclusive language use by coaches, and tackling microaggressions that persist in sport.




At LAAG we recognize that sports and recreation spaces should be accessible to all. Research into experiences has found that over 80% of LGBTQ+ athletes have faced homophobic or transphobic harassment while participating in sport. LAAG's goal  is to ensure that everyone at McMaster feels safe and supported while representing our school and using athletic and recreational facilities.
 

That all folks feel welcome, included, and safe in athletic and recreation spaces at McMaster.




The LGBTQ2SIA+ Athletic Advocacy Group operates on six fundamental pillars:

• Equity
• Safety
• Inclusion
• Education
• Community
• Accountability

Executives:
President: Sarah Oresnik (they/them)
Vice President: Jenine Alkhatib (she/her)
 
Events Executives:
Sarah Cushnie (she/her)
Kileigh Harrington (she/her)
Jacqueline Huo (she/they)
 
Outreach and Engagement:
Juliana Jack (aka JJ) (she/her)
Carolyn Huynh (she/her)
 
Communications and Social Media:
Anika Gaandhi (they/he/she)


Term and Nomination Process

Applications for president and Vice President are sent out by the Ath and Rec department at the end of the academic term year. An election will then be sent out to all general members. The application for all other executive positions will open follow the election of the President and Vice President later in the summer and will also be sent out by the Ath and Rec department. All terms are held for one academic year with a maximum of a two-year term for the President and Vice President. We recognize that not everyone is in a position where they are able to be out with their gender expression or sexuality, therefore all positions are open to both those in the community as well as allies.
 
Anyone who is interested in joining the team throughout the year is welcome to reach out to LAAG via Instagram or email.

Group email: laag@mcmaster.ca
Instagram: @laagmcmaster
TikTok: @laagmcmaster