Pat Griffin is first to post on new "Our Group" blog

Pat Griffin of GLSEN Sport Project was asked to provide the first post to the "Our Group" blog. The Federation of Gay Games has been pleased to support Our Group, in particular by inviting FGG member organization Team Philadelphia to host Our Group for the panel discussion mentioned below. Here's more info on Our Group from the blog:


Our Group is an outreach and support organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) high school and college student-athletes and allies. It serves as a network to connect LGBT student-athletes with other LGBT student-athletes. Our Group is also dedicated to educating athletes, coaches, administrators, and fans to foster a sports community that is accepting for ALL athletes, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Our Group was born in January of 2008. Seven current and former LGBT student-athletes came together to discuss the different issues and challenges that LGBT student-athletes face, and more importantly, the different ways that they could help eliminate the homophobia that exists within athletics. They believed that by creating a space where student-athletes could access existing resources for LGBT athletes, as well as safely and easily communicate with other LGBT student-athletes, that they could help the many athletes who feel they must remain in the closet to participate in sport.

With the help of John Amaechi, Pat Griffin, Jeff Sheng, and Ted Rybka, this group of athletes started the arduous task of locating and contacting other LGBT student-athletes in order to make the dream of creating an LGBT student-athlete and ally organization a reality. After just two years, Our Group found over 200 supporters, became incorporated in Arizona with the goal of becoming a 501(c)3, began participating in panel discussions across the country, attended the 2009 Creating Change Conference in Denver and the Sport, Sexuality, and Culture Conference in Ithaca, hosted a panel discussion at Philidelphia Gay Sports Week, and more importantly, has been setting the foundation to create a network that provides the best resources to LGBT student-athletes and allies across the country.

Our Group continues to grow each day as we meet new student-athletes, hear their stories, and offer a place where student-athletes, former or current, can fearlessly take part in a growing community of like-minded individuals. Whether people utilize the OG website and forum or attend one of the advertised conferences and panels – Our Group hopes to offer the resources and support that any athlete may want or need.