Proud To Play by Erin Silver, Paperback | Indigo Chapters

The 2018 Winter Olympics marked a milestone for LGBTQ+ athletes. Thirteen athletes out of 3, 000 competitors were out and proud — nearly double the number who felt comfortable sharing their sexuality four years earlier at the Sochi Games. Many athletes stay closeted for their entire sports careers, often unable to compete at their highest ability because of the shame and self-doubt they feel in not being true to their orientation or identity. But coming out still means facing harassment from fans, teammates, opponents, and the media, and a lack of sponsorship opportunities. While organizations like You Can Play, the Canadian Olympic Committee and EGALE Canada have made progress in recent years in promoting inclusivity at the grassroots and elite sporting levels, there is still much work to be done to ensure all athletes feel safe being their authentic selves. Athletes profiled include swimmer Mark Tewksbury (swimming), Anastasia Bucsis (speed skating), Rosie Cossar (rhythmic gymnastics), Eric Radford (figure skating), Betty Baxter (volleyball), Joey Lye (softball), Cindy Ouellet (wheelchair basketball and para Nordic skiing), Angela James (hockey), Caroline Ouellette (hockey), Christopher Voth (volleyball), Jessica Platt (hockey), and Brock McGillis (hockey).Generously illustrated with photographs and given context by an overview of the history of LGBTQ+ athletes in Canada, this book will make all young sports enthusiasts and competitors proud to play. | Proud To Play by Erin Silver, Paperback | Indigo Chapters