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- NFL's Khalen Saunders Champions Inclusion with LGBTQ+ Youth Football Camp
NFL's Khalen Saunders Champions Inclusion with LGBTQ+ Youth Football Camp
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Number 58
NFL's Khalen Saunders Champions Inclusion with LGBTQ+ Youth Football Camp
Featured Focus:
Athlete-Driven Impact, Access / Inclusion / Equality,
Youth Development
Scope of Impact: Nationwide
New Orleans Saints star Khalen Saunders recently announced the launch of his LGBTQ+ inclusive youth football camp at the 2025 GLAAD Media Awards. It’s a powerful sign towards a more accepting sports culture. Here’s the play:
Breaking Barriers: Saunders, a defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints and a two-time Super Bowl champion, is creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to engage with football, a sport traditionally perceived as heteronormative.
Strong Partnerships: Collaborating with GLAAD and the NFL Pride Football Combine, along with the support of former NFL player RK Russell, the camp aims to foster allyship and build confidence among young athletes.
Personal Motivation: Inspired by his brother, Kameron Saunders, who is openly LGBTQ+, Khalen emphasizes the importance of "showing up" as an ally and creating opportunities for marginalized communities through his Original Element Foundation.
American football, a sport deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the U.S., has historically been perceived through a lens of traditional masculinity, often leaving individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ feeling marginalized or excluded from participating.
We love Khalen Saunders' initiative because 1) it addresses this issue head-on to create an explicitly inclusive space for LGBTQ+ youth in football, and 2) it has a personal story as its origin, with Khalen’s brother being a member of the LGBTQ+ community. His high profile as an active NFL player lends considerable weight to this effort, challenging traditional masculine norms within the sport.
The success of this inaugural camp could also serve as a fantastic model for other NFL players and organizations seeking to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in football, as well as other sports that have been traditionally less welcoming.
YOUR NEXT PLAY:
This is a clear WIN|WIN for LGBTQ+ youth, for Khalen Saunders, and for football overall. It often only takes one person and/or one initiative to start a movement. So today, we challenge you to be bold — to emulate Khalen Saunders by tackle an overlooked issue, and bring your own leadership and vision to the table.
Khalen Saunders’ foundation promotes inclusivity, with a mission to “instill hope and foster opportunities for those seeking to rise above challenges.” | This LGBTQ advocacy organization is always at the forefront of incredible efforts including working with Saunders as partner of his camp. | The league hosted its third Pride Flag Football clinic for LGBTQ+ youth during the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans. |
A nationwide organization and project championing LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports through partnerships, events and educational programs. | The HRC’s collection of resources and reports for becoming an ally and improving the lives of LGBTQ+ athletes. | A nonprofit organization working to make sports more inclusive and equitable, including an Athlete Ally pledge to demonstrate commitment. |
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