By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) “I am certainly competent, capable, and willing, but I need to ask… are you sure you want me as a cisgender white male to teach a class on women in sports?” Was the first question I asked when I took on my faculty teaching role at the State … Continue reading Mansplaining a Class on Women in Sports: My Reflections on Teaching and Learning in Honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month
Reaffirming LGBTQ+ Rights to a Diverse, Inclusive, Equal and Just Society in the Face of Prejudice, Discrimination and Oppression: Maintaining Resilience, Strength, and Optimism
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS., SDL (He/Him) Unfortunately, we are facing some turbulent and tough times ahead as religious conservatives subsume power. LGBTQ+ rights are under direct threat as we anticipate a rise in anti-LGBTQ prejudice, oppression, and discrimination that will push our limits to the edge of chaos. The fact is, we are likely … Continue reading Reaffirming LGBTQ+ Rights to a Diverse, Inclusive, Equal and Just Society in the Face of Prejudice, Discrimination and Oppression: Maintaining Resilience, Strength, and Optimism
How Sport and Exercise Can Reaffirm Gender Identity
By David Smith, M.Sc., SDL (He/Him) Humans, regardless of gender identity, are designed to move. It is within our very nature as a species to be active and express ourselves through movement. When you look at the vast number of ways that humans have developed different ways to move, you’ll realize that physical activity is … Continue reading How Sport and Exercise Can Reaffirm Gender Identity
When it Comes to Breaking Down Barriers in Sport, Creating a Safe Space Just Isn’t Enough
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
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.
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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