The Role of Parents/Caregivers in Sports

Being a mix of a theatre major and a Division I wrestler at the University of Maryland, Hudson Taylor had a unique perspective on LGBTQ+ respect and inclusion in these two very different worlds. He gained national media attention when he decided to wear an LGBTQ+ equality sticker on his wrestling headgear to confront the marginalization of LGBTQ+ people in sport during his time at University of Maryland. This experience ultimately drove him to start Athlete Ally, an organization whose mission is to “end the rampant homophobia and transphobia in sport and to activate the athletic community to exercise their leadership to champion LGBTQ+ equality.”

In this video, Hudson states that as a parent, you are to act as the “bow” and that your child is the “arrow.” Hudson elaborates by stating that as the parent, draw back that bow and send that arrow as far and in the right direction as possible – but don’t try to make your child like you. Hudson also discusses the importance of being educated on LGBTQ+ issues as a parent.