Compete Sports Diversity — Where Everyone is Welcome!

WHEN I LOOK BACK AT HOW COMPETE STARTED, as the world’s first LGBTQ+ sports magazine, I am amazed at how much the diversity landscape has changed. In 2006 so many traditional sports organizations and corporate partners weren’t answering our phone calls or returning our emails. Many people dismissed Compete entirely; instead, predicting our early demise.

We knew our mission and vision were too important to fail. In 2014 we partnered with the Federation of Gay Games’ R. Tony Smith and our good friend Brett Klein to launch the Compete Sports Diversity Council (CSDC). Today the CSDC welcomes members from LGBTQ+ sports organizations, women’s sports organizations, traditional sports organizations as well as corporate, community, and travel and tourism partners.

Compete is also focusing on strategic partners with like-minded organizations such as Northstar Meetings Group and Express Conferences where we bring our expertise in sports diversity to their conferences.

Additionally, we are members of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) which allows us to be part of an important, diverse community outside of sports.

Recently, we welcomed Main Attraction Recreational Sports, Hershey Harrisburg Sports and Events Authority, Aunt Rita’s Foundation, and Molson Coors to the CSDC. It’s because of relationships like these that Compete, our current members as well as future ones, are most effective at implementing change.

We want to thank you for being a part of something special — as members, friends and most importantly, as positive change agents.

Welcome to Compete. We’re glad you’re here!

With you,

ERIC CARLYLE, SDLT CEO | DEI Advocate