PRIDE MONTH SPOTLIGHT
Q: What does Pride Month mean to your organization and the community you serve?
A: Pride, for me, is and always has been a time to reconnect with the community and the people within it. With life being hectic and taking you to different places, Pride Month acts as a reminder for me to reach out and stay grounded with the queer people I love and cherish.
Q: How does your organization help create spaces where LGBTQ+ youth, families, and community members feel seen and supported?
A: Before jumping into the tennis community, I didn’t have as much interaction with the queer community in the Bay outside of people I met through work. However, joining GLTF and becoming involved in tennis allowed me to meet more queer people and helped me feel more connected.
Q: Why is it important for local organizations to show up for inclusion, not just during Pride Month, but all year long?
A: Visibility of queer people and spaces is key for young people. It helps normalize our love and lifestyles, reminding people that they are valid and supported. As someone who came out in my mid-20s, I can recall every feeling of relief that came with being able to live my truth. I want other people to be able to live in that same way as soon as they realize their truth is different.
Q: What does meaningful allyship look like in action for your organization?
A: Allyship, to me, is sharing our stories in spaces where we may not be present or able to do so ourselves. While laws and legislation help codify protections, the court of public opinion changes hearts and helps us be understood on a personal level. Stories, anecdotes, and down-to-earth conversations all help remind people of our experiences and struggles.
Q: How do tennis community partnerships help strengthen visibility, belonging, and access?
A: My college friends helped shape my views on inclusion and community. Growing up in a military family, I moved constantly. The lack of a consistent support system made it harder to feel at ease sharing my identity out of fear of being ostracized. My college friends were thankfully accepting of me and acted as my rock, even after we all went our separate ways.
Q: What impact do you hope your work has on the next generation of tennis athletes?
A: I’m inspired by the next generation and their willingness to come out early and express themselves as they see fit. Additionally, I love that they are willing to exist in spaces that were not previously seen as friendly to gay people, like sports. I think tennis can act as a community builder for younger people as well. With international entities like GLTA, there are ways to grow and experience various places with the benefit of having a built-in community to guide them.
Q: What message would you like to share with the tennis community this Pride Month?
A: For anyone looking for a space where they feel loved and appreciated, I would say don’t be afraid to talk to people and ask. It can be intimidating at times to reach out, but I find that the queer community is one of, if not the most, supportive groups of people. The best thing about being involved in such a diverse community is that there is always going to be more to learn and do if you are willing to let others know what you want.
