By David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him) The most common element when it comes to developing grassroots inclusive sport structures is building a “safe space” type of culture that is free from judgement, prejudice, and discrimination that LGBTQ+ people, especially trans/nonbinary and POC experience. Sport has long been an institution that is founded and … Continue reading When it Comes to Breaking Down Barriers in Sport, Creating a Safe Space Just Isn’t Enough
One Week, 20 Students in a Small German Town and a Big Finish – My First Experience Teaching with the Studienstiftung
As part of my graduate school goals and pursuits has been to gain valuable teaching experience at the college level in order for me to be better prepared for a career in collegiate teaching and academia upon graduating. This has been easier said than done as I’ve overcome various challenges and barriers to achieve the … Continue reading One Week, 20 Students in a Small German Town and a Big Finish – My First Experience Teaching with the Studienstiftung
Las Vegas, Three Big Busses Full of Cheerleaders and Three Years of Adventures with the Pride Cheerleading Association at the Sin City Classic
By David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him) Since January of 2022, I (David “Dirk” Smith), have accompanied the Pride Cheerleading Association (PCA) on the famous #CheerBus as they travel around to the different sports at the Sin City Classic. The purpose of the PCA and the Cheer Bus is to help raise spirits and bring energy into the different … Continue reading Las Vegas, Three Big Busses Full of Cheerleaders and Three Years of Adventures with the Pride Cheerleading Association at the Sin City Classic
Soliciting Donations, Interacting with Strangers, and Raising Money as a Measure of Sport Performance
By David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him) A lot My primary work is in sport, specifically in sport psychology, sport science, and sports diversity. But, some of this work has also crossed over with my hobby as an amateur videographer, specifically with my time spent with the volunteer cheerleaders at the Pride Cheerleading Association (PCA). … Continue reading Soliciting Donations, Interacting with Strangers, and Raising Money as a Measure of Sport Performance
Finding the “Community” within the LGBTQ+ Community, and How They Are Helping Launch My Career in Sport Above and Beyond – A Retrospective Appreciation
By David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc, CSCS, SDL (He/Him) A few weeks ago, I (David “Dirk” Smith), gave a presentation to a bunch of my sport psychology colleagues and peers on navigating sport as an openly gay sports professional. As anybody in the LGBTQ+ community will tell you, sport has often been unkind if not outright … Continue reading Finding the “Community” within the LGBTQ+ Community, and How They Are Helping Launch My Career in Sport Above and Beyond – A Retrospective Appreciation
Fit for Fat, My Story of Ü100 and Creating One of the Only Fitness Classes Specifically for Larger People
By David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him) It is well established that the fitness industry is obsessed with weight loss and aesthetics when it comes to marketing fitness and exercise for people. The pervasiveness of fitness and diet culture has become an obsession in our modern society where a person’s physical appearance is often subject … Continue reading Fit for Fat, My Story of Ü100 and Creating One of the Only Fitness Classes Specifically for Larger People
Working with LGBTQ+ Athletes: Considerations for Sport Psychologists, Coaches, and Other Sport Practitioners
If you work in sport and you think this article doesn’t apply to you, you’re wrong. Every coach, sport psychologist, and other practitioner in the field has, had, and/or will have an LGBTQ+ athlete under your guidance and care. Whether they choose to be visible or not is entirely their business and it’s not your job to say otherwise. However, it is your job to ensure that the space you are providing to practice and participate in sport is built around an inclusive, safe, accessible, and empowering climate for all your athletes.
Sport and Performance: Building a Relationship with Your Audience
There are many “performance” sports in which the sport itself built upon the measure of success based on judgement from a panel of professionals with in depth knowledge of the sport and its rules. These sports, such as ice skating, gymnastics, cheerleading, dancing, and others often attract an audience who come to see the show … Continue reading Sport and Performance: Building a Relationship with Your Audience
Las Vegas and Three Busses Full of Cheerleaders: Another Adventure with the Pride Cheerleading Association at the Sin City Classic
By David “Dirk” Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him) Last year I shared about my experiences accompanying members of the Pride Cheerleading Association on the almighty #CheerBus as they traveled to different sports taking place during the Sin City Classic to raise money for the Golden Rainbow. Golden Rainbow is a charity organization that provides housing, education and … Continue reading Las Vegas and Three Busses Full of Cheerleaders: Another Adventure with the Pride Cheerleading Association at the Sin City Classic
Strength Training for Top Surgery, Tips for Trans Men and Non-Binary People
For a lot of trans men, top surgery is recognized as one of the major guiding points in gender affirming care. During top surgery, the surgeon will remove the breasts, remove excess skin, and if necessary, reposition the nipples. For most trans men, this is a generally positive, life changing experience and goes a long way toward enhancing gender identity by adjusting appearance to fit more in line with a masculine gender identity. Chest-focused weight lifting can enhance the contour of your chest and improve your final results over time.
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