Celebrating International Youth Day: The Transformative Power of Sports for LGBTQ Youth
As we acknowledge International Youth Day, it’s important to shine a spotlight on the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ youth and the profound impact sports can have in their lives. Written by MQ ambassador Amazin LeThi, this blog explores the journey of LGBTQ youth and the role of sports in fostering resilience, self-esteem, and mental well-being.
Being both Asian and queer, I grappled with my mental health throughout my youth. Like many LGBTQ individuals, I navigated a world that often did not fully accept or understand my sexuality. The path was fraught with feelings of isolation, discrimination, and emotional pain. However, sports emerged as a beacon of hope, providing not only physical benefits but also a sense of community, strength, and mental wellness.
LGBTQ youth experience higher rates of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts compared to their non-LGBTQ peers.
The stigma, discrimination, and lack of acceptance faced by LGBTQ youth in various settings exacerbate these challenges. When they are excluded from inclusive activities like sports, the sense of isolation deepens, perpetuating a cycle of mental health struggles.
Engagement in sports presents LGBTQ youth with a powerful tool to break free from isolation and discrimination. It helps cultivate self-assurance, resilience, and meaningful connections—relationships that can be life-changing. For me, sports transcended mere games; they were a lifeline. They empowered me to embrace my queer Asian identity with confidence and pride. The achievements, life skills, and discipline I acquired through sports were instrumental in shaping me into the empowered, unapologetic queer Asian woman I am today.
Embracing my truth and living authentically would have been unattainable without the invaluable lessons and support I garnered from sports. On this International Youth Day, let’s pledge to create a more inclusive space in sports, ensuring that all LGBTQ youth can access the same transformative power that altered the course of my life.
