Supporting LGBTQ+ Athletes Around the Holidays: A Guide for Coaches and Mentors

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 a team environment where every athlete feels welcomed and grounded — especially during moments when the world outside feels unpredictable. By offering steadiness, understanding, and clear communication, you help make this season brighter and help every athlete know they have a place to land.

1. Acknowledge That the Holidays May Feel Complicated

Not every athlete heads into the holidays with excitement. Some LGBTQ+ athletes may experience stress about returning to environments where they don’t feel fully accepted or understood.

• Create Room for Honest Conversations: Let your team know you recognize that holidays look different for everyone and you’re available if they need support.

• Pay Attention to Shifts in Behavior: Withdrawal or heightened stress in the weeks leading up to break can be a sign that an athlete is navigating something heavy.

A simple message like, “I know this time of year can feel different for everyone — I’m here if you need anything,” can remind athletes they’re not alone.

2. Avoid Assumptions About Family Dynamics

Given today’s political climate, some LGBTQ+ athletes are returning to households where their identity is questioned or unwelcome. Avoid phrasing that presumes every athlete is heading into a warm or affirming family situation.

• Ask Open-Ended Questions: “Do you have any plans over break?” allows athletes to share what they choose.

• Offer Conversation Alternatives: Focus on hobbies, traditions, or rest rather than family-centered expectations.

This helps athletes feel comfortable without disclosing personal details they may not want to share.

3. Build Team Connection Before the Break

For many LGBTQ+ athletes, the team is their most reliable community. A welcoming team space can offer reassurance that carries them through the holiday season.

• Plan Low-Pressure Team Moments: Optional dinners, movie nights, or “Friendsgiving”-style gatherings can foster belonging.

• Encourage Peer Support: Small acts of kindness or simple check-ins between teammates go further than most people realize.

These gestures emphasize that the team is a steady, supportive place — especially important when external pressures feel louder than usual.

4. Be Mindful of Gendered Language and Traditions

Holiday traditions often come with assumptions that don’t fit every athlete. For transgender and gender-diverse athletes, even well-meaning language can feel uncomfortable.

• Use Neutral Greetings and Alternatives: “Happy Holidays” or “Hope you’re getting some rest” welcomes everyone.

• Choose Non-Gendered Gift Themes: Snacks, small comforts, or shared team items keep activities enjoyable and accessible.

These small adjustments help ensure every athlete feels equally welcomed.

5. Connect Athletes With Mental Health Support

Political hostility and family tension can make this season especially heavy for LGBTQ+ youth. Knowing where to turn for support can make a meaningful difference.

• Share Resource Lists: Provide hotlines, local organizations, and mental health contacts without singling anyone out.

• Normalize Self-Care: Encourage rest, boundaries, and doing what brings comfort.

This communicates that the team cares about their whole person — not just their performance.

6. Use Welcoming Signals That Foster Safety

Visibility matters — especially when athletes may feel unseen or undervalued at home. Small signals within your program can assure them they belong.

• Display Welcoming Symbols Thoughtfully: A small Pride sticker, an all-gender bathroom sign, or a posted statement of respect can go a long way.

• Share Positive Notes of Belonging: Remind athletes that who they are is welcomed, valued, and appreciated on your team.

These signals counteract the negative messages LGBTQ+ youth may be hearing elsewhere.

7. Stay Connected Over the Break

Loneliness can intensify during the holidays, especially for LGBTQ+ athletes in unsupportive homes.

• Send a Check-In Message: A quick “Hope you’re doing okay — thinking of the team!” can mean more than you realize.

• Offer Virtual Team Touchpoints: Casual group chats or virtual hangouts help maintain a sense of continuity.

These reminders reinforce that athletes still have community — even when they’re physically apart.

8. Set a Welcoming Tone When Everyone Returns

Coming back from break can be joyful for some athletes and stressful for others. Start the new season with clarity and warmth.

• Hold a Welcoming Team Meeting: Emphasize that everyone is glad to be back together, without requiring personal disclosures.

• Privately Check In With LGBTQ+ Athletes: A simple “Good to have you back — how are you doing?” helps rebuild safety.

This sets the stage for a strong, connected season ahead.

Your leadership plays a powerful role in how athletes experience this time of year — especially in a moment when LGBTQ+ youth are facing heightened public hostility. By choosing welcoming language, offering steady support, and reinforcing that every athlete has a place on your team, you create the conditions for courage, joy, and connection to thrive.

At You Can Play, we believe that every athlete deserves a team where they feel welcomed and safe. Thank you for helping build sports environments where all athletes know they matter — during the holidays and every day of the year.