Khalen Saunders, a Super Bowl champion and New Orleans Saints defensive tackle, has launched a groundbreaking youth football camp specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. Inspired by his older brother Kameron, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Saunders aims to foster inclusivity and dismantle the stigma surrounding LGBTQ+ individuals in sports. The camp, held in St. Louis, seeks to provide a welcoming environment and teach values of empathy and acceptance, countering negative locker room cultures. Saunders believes everyone deserves to enjoy sports without fear of discrimination and is committed to promoting positivity and love within the athletic community.

By the Numbers
  • According to The Trevor Project, some LGBTQ+ youth avoid sports due to fear of discrimination.
  • Khalen Saunders strives to create a community space where all can participate in sports without prejudice.
Yes, But

While many attendees express gratitude for the camp's supportive environment, there has been negative feedback from certain groups opposed to its inclusive message, showcasing the ongoing societal divide surrounding LGBTQ+ acceptance in sports.

State of Play
  • The camp is designed to empower youth while promoting acceptance and inclusion in sports.
  • Khalen Saunders is addressing the complexities of discrimination in sports by encouraging education and open-mindedness.
What's Next

Saunders plans to expand this initiative, aiming to reach more LGBTQ+ youth and create additional camps that promote diversity and inclusion in athletics.

Bottom Line

Khalen Saunders' camp represents a critical step towards creating a more inclusive sports culture, demonstrating that athleticism knows no gender identity or sexual orientation. His approach emphasizes education and empathy, advocating for a future where everyone feels accepted within the sports community.