I wanted to share my experience at the groundbreaking 2018 Minnesota Vikings LGBTQ Summit. As a former Viking and an openly gay athlete, this event meant the world to me and I could not have been more excited to be speaking to share my experience and feelings.
When I heard that the Vikings were becoming the first NFL team to host a summit focused on LGBTQ inclusion in sports, I was so proud of my former team. This was a huge step forward, and I was honored to be a part of it.
The summit took place on June 21, 2018, at the TCO Performance Center. It was a full day of powerful discussions featuring LGBTQ athletes, coaches, executives, and allies from across the sports world. The energy in the room was electric – you could feel that we were part of something truly special.
The day kicked off with opening remarks from Vikings COO Kevin Warren. Then we dove into a series of panel discussions covering topics like “Athletes as Allies” and “LGBTQ Trailblazers.” I was particularly moved by the “Trailblazers” panel, which included icons like Greg Louganis and Chris Mosier. Their courage and perseverance have paved the way for so many of us.
I had the opportunity to share my personal reflection during the summit. Standing there, speaking openly about my experiences as a gay man in the NFL, to a room full of supportive faces – it was an emotional moment for me. I thought about how different my playing career might have been if events like this had existed back then.
The summit also included discussions on the role of coaches in fostering inclusive environments, and how major sporting institutions like the NFL and NCAA are working towards greater LGBTQ inclusion. It was encouraging to see these organizations taking concrete steps to make sports more welcoming for everyone.
What struck me most about the day was the sense of progress. Having played for the Vikings in the ’90s, I could never have imagined the team hosting an event like this. It shows how far we’ve come, but also reminds us of the work still to be done.
The summit wrapped up with closing remarks from Kevin Warren and Greg Louganis, followed by a reception that raised funds for LGBTQ organizations. It was the perfect end to an inspiring day.
I left the summit feeling hopeful and energized. The Minnesota Vikings showed real leadership by hosting this event, and I believe it will have a lasting impact on LGBTQ inclusion in sports. To all the young LGBTQ athletes out there: know that you belong in sports, and there are more and more people working to make sure you feel welcome and supported.
Here’s to more events like this in the future, and to a sports world where everyone can be their authentic selves, both on and off the field.
8:00 am – 8:45 am – Registration
8:45 am – 9:00 am – Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:00 am – 10:00 am – Kevin Warren, COO, Minnesota Vikings
10:00 am – 10:30 am – Panel: Athletes as Allies
Moderated by Jana Shortal (KARE 11), panelists include Chris Kluwe (Former Professional Football Player), Hudson Taylor (Athlete Ally), Amy Wilson (NCAA)
10:30 am – 11:00 am – Panel: LGBTQ Trailblazers
Moderated by Jana Shortal (KARE 11), panelists include Chris Mosier (Triathlete and Duathlete), Greg Louganis (Olympic diver and LGBTQ activist), and Joanna Lohman (Professional Soccer Player for the Washington Spirit)
11:00 am – 11:15 am – Break
11:15 am – 11:30 am – Personal Reflection
Esera Tuaolo (Former Professional Football Player and Contestant on The Voice)
11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Panel: The Role of Coaches
Moderated by Nevin Caple (LGBT SportSafe), panelists include Stephanie White (Vanderbilt University), Xavier Colvin (Butler University) and Joe Cheshire (Butler University)
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm – Lunch
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm – Inclusion in America’s Major Sporting Institutions: A Conversation With the NFL and NCAA Robert Gulliver (NFL) and Katrice Albert (NCAA)
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm – Panel: The Power of Visibility
Moderated by Eliza Byard (GLSEN), panelists include Samantha Rapoport (NFL), Nevin Caple (LGBT SportSafe), Brian Kitts (You Can Play)
3:45 pm – 4:00 pm – Closing Remarks with Kevin Warren and Greg Louganis
Learn More
vikings.com/lgbtq-summit