Frequently Asked Questions
How do national policies differ between the United States and Canada when it comes to LGBTQ+ inclusion in youth sports?Currently, there are no national policies protecting or limiting LGBTQ+ athletes from participating in sports within the United States (except an executive order made by President Trump banning trans athletes). However, Canada currently has protections that protect against the discrimination of LGBTQ+ athletes, rooted in the Canadian Human Rights Act.
What rules exist around transgender youth participation in school and community sports in each country?Currently, there are no federal rules in the United States that exist around protecting LGBTQ+ athletes. In Canada, federal protections exist that protect athletes and allow them to play, and many athletic governing bodies base their own policies off of this.
How do state/provincial laws impact LGBTQ+ youth athletes differently within each country?State laws inside the United States play the biggest role in the participation of LGBTQ+ athletes in sports. With New York State's recent proposition, (referred to as PROP 1), expansion of protections based on gender-identity and gender-expression, many opposed it because it would prevent them in the future from banning transgender athletes. However, in Canada there are federal protections, preventing provinces from making their own laws/regulations. (Canadian Human Rights Act)
What role do major sports organizations and school systems play in shaping inclusive policies for LGBTQ+ youth? Many major sports organizations in each country (Hockey Canada, USA Hockey, Softball Canada) create their own policies governing LGBTQ+ athletes. However, these organizations mainly follow the laws set by the country. Canadian organizations mainly follow the Canadian Human Rights standards, which have legal protections for LGBTQ+ athletes. In Contrast, Title IX, mainly used in the USA to protect against sex discrimination, is currently ineffective in preventing discrimination against gender-identity, making it legal for the discrimination of LGBTQ+ athletes. These major differences in policy ultimately create a giant divide on protections in the United States and Canada.
What are the social and mental health impacts of these policies on LGBTQ+ youth athletes in both countries?
90% of LGBTQ+ youth say policies negatively affect their mental health
supportive schools = lower suicide risk (Trevor Project)
Sports participation alone can support mental health, but…
Bias-based bullying in sports settings significantly harms mental health
Transgender and gender-diverse youth in sports environments
experience higher levels of stress and depression when facing discrimination
benefit more when environments are inclusive and supportive