From the Desk of:
You Can Play 

When the International Olympic Committee announced its decision to ban transgender women from women’s competition, it was positioned as a move to protect women’s sport. But if you take a step back and look at what this policy actually does-not what it claims to do-it becomes clear that it doesn’t protect women at all, it puts them at risk. Not just transgender women-- all women. For decades, women’s sport has fought for greater access, more investment, and the simple recognit

We’re excited to welcome Daniel Holland to the You Can Play team as our new Partnerships Lead! You Can Play welcomes Daniel Holland as our new partnerships lead. Daniel joins You Can Play at a pivotal moment in our work, as we continue to expand from awareness-driven efforts toward deeper, system-level impact across sport. He brings more than two decades of experience in partnership development, revenue generation, and inclusive communications; helping organizations translate

Few issues in sports have generated as much public debate in recent years as transgender athlete participation. Media coverage and political rhetoric often frame the topic as a major crisis in athletics, yet the actual number of transgender athletes competing remains very small. Much of the public conversation is shaped by misunderstandings about biology, sports governance, and the purpose of sports participation. sports experts + medical research debunk 20 myths about trans

Over the past few years, transgender athletes have become one of the most debated topics in sports. Behind the noise, three questions matter most: What is the global status of trans athlete policies? What does science actually say about biology and athletic advantage? Why did this issue become such a political flashpoint in the first place? Global policy updates, best practices, and current research This guide breaks down the evidence, the history, and the misconceptions sha

Best Practices for Trans Athlete Participation While debates about transgender athletes often focus on elite competition, most sports organizations are simply trying to answer a practical question: what policies actually work? A guide of best practices to expanding participation categories + including trans and gender diverse athletes in your sport. Many leagues, schools, and governing bodies have already developed frameworks that balance inclusion, fairness, and safety. The

The holiday season can be a time of joy and connection, but for many LGBTQ+ athletes, it can also bring moments of uncertainty. With the rise in public tension and political hostility toward LGBTQ+ people, some athletes may enter the holiday break feeling anxious about going home, managing strained relationships, or losing the sense of safety they feel with their team. Supporting LGBTQ+ Athletes Around the Holidays As a coach or mentor, you have a unique opportunity to create

In a time when the conversation surrounding sports and gender is rife with controversy, quadball is quietly yet powerfully rewriting the narrative. This coed, full-contact sport is thriving against all odds and gearing up for its largest World Cup yet, to be held in Belgium in July 2025. Photo Credits: Major League Quidditch What is Quadball? Originally inspired by the fictional sport quidditch , quadball has grown into a legitimate athletic endeavor that blends elements of r

For LGBTQ+ youth, sports can be a powerful source of growth, connection, and empowerment—but only if teams and organizations commit to...

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the history of homophobia and transphobia in organized sports, the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ athletes, and the progress made toward inclusivity. Understanding this history isn’t just about looking back. It’s about recognizing the work still ahead of us to create a sports culture that celebrates diversity, safety, and respect for all. History of Homophobia in Organized Sport Early Sports Culture: Enforcing Gender Norms and Exclusion For much

You Can Play is proud to partner with RISE to launch a new interactive course designed to help athletes, coaches, and sports...

Understanding Gender Policing in Sports Beyond the Binary: Heteronormativity, Gender Policing, and the Culture of Sport At You Can Play, we believe sports should be a space where every athlete—no matter their gender identity or sexuality—can show up, play hard, and be themselves without apology. But that’s not the norm yet. Too often, athletes are expected to conform to narrow, outdated ideas of who belongs, how to behave, and what’s considered “normal.” Enter heteronormativi

If we want teams to thrive, we need to talk about what these behaviors are, how they’re different, and why they can’t be written off as...

At You Can Play , we believe that sports should be an arena for everyone, where athletes can compete, grow, and connect without fear of...

At You Can Play, we’re committed to creating a sports environment that is safe, inclusive, and respectful for every athlete, regardless of gender identity. Transgender athletes often face unique challenges in sports spaces, where transphobia can take many forms—from discriminatory legislation to harmful language. Transphobia in sports affects not only individual athletes but also the overall integrity of sports as a space for unity and achievement. In this blog post, we’ll ex

You Can Play is excited to launch a Pride effort like no other in the sports industry: the Play with Heart Campaign, designed with...

Creating inclusive sports environments requires vigilance across every space where athletes gather—from locker rooms to chat rooms, and...

Creating Safe Spaces for Young Athletes At You Can Play , we believe that all young athletes deserve a safe, supportive environment where...

Homophobia in sports may seem like a modern issue, especially as athletes and organizations today make strides toward inclusivity....

At You Can Play , our commitment to fostering inclusive spaces in sports is rooted in a simple yet powerful belief: sports are for...

At You Can Play , we believe in creating safe, inclusive environments in sports where everyone is welcomed and respected, regardless of...