Founder Feelz: The Evolution of Inclusivity in Fitness
As a community, we’ve made great strides for equality and inclusion in sport and fitness.
But until every single human being who wants to participate can participate openly as themselves, our work will never be done.
We should not take our privilege for granted while there are so many who are left behind with nowhere to go.
I was proud and honored to assemble and participate on a panel facilitated by Taso Mikroulis at Soho House New York titled “The Evolution of Inclusivity: LGBTQ+ Athletes and Allies on the State of Inclusion in Sport and Fitness.” I was joined by the incredible Hudson Taylor, Amazin LeThi, Chloie Jonsson, and Alec Smith for an in-depth discussion about the holes still visible in the cloth of inclusivity in terms of race, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Reflecting back on last night’s panel, it reminds me how blessed we are to have a partner like CrossFit Inc. who has listened and grown with us and continues to make changes to make the sport of fitness more inclusive every day.
We have worked so hard and have come so far, but inclusivity is a journey, not a destination.
I want to thank the local CrossFit Affiliates around the world who have chosen to show that they value everyone by making their spaces inclusive for all. These small business owners and operators are drivers of change by hosting OUTWODs, welcoming OUTAthletes, and doing simple things like providing gender neutral bathrooms and hanging Pride flags visibly in their spaces.
To that end, we’ve created an Inclusive Box Finder on our website that will help members of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies find welcoming CrossFit Affiliates to visit and give their support.
For the gyms who have resisted, know that your days are numbered. The world is changing, and this movement will not stop until health, wellness, and fitness are safe and welcoming to ALL. This isn’t a threat - it’s just the cold, inclusive truth.
Xoxo,Will LanierExecutive DirectorOUTWOD / The OUT Foundation
