The LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame—formerly known as the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame—is getting a boost from the Sports Equality Foundation, according to Outsports.
“This initiative celebrates the groundbreaking achievements of LGBTQ athletes, coaches and advocates who have paved the way for inclusion in sports,” said Sports Equality Foundation Board Chair Robert Goman. “It is an honor to spotlight their legacy and inspire future generations to break barriers and thrive.”
The Hall of Fame was created by Chicagoan Bill Gubrud. Honorees—ranging from Olympians such as Greg Louganis and Johnny Weir, to organizations like the Federation of Gay Games and the International Gay Rodeo Association—were inducted from 2013 to 2015. However, the hall has been largely inactive over the last decade.
Now that has changed. The honorees have been named for the Aug. 10 induction ceremony in Las Vegas’ Park MGM and they include Gubrud; Kirk Walker, the softball leader who is the winningest head coach in program history and of a women’s team at Oregon State; WNBA leader and advocate Layshia Clarendon, sports executive Erik Braverman; and professor emerita Pat Griffin. More inductees will be announced soon.
Board Chair Robert Goman shared his enthusiasm: “The Sports Equality Foundation is thrilled to relaunch the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame. This initiative celebrates the groundbreaking achievements of LGBTQ athletes, coaches, and advocates who have paved the way for inclusion in sports. It is an honor to spotlight their legacy and inspire future generations to break barriers and thrive.”