As the world watched the 2024 Paris Olympics, we witnessed history being made—not only in the records broken and medals won, but in the diversity that graced the global stage. From the moment singer Celine Dion braved her critical health condition to open the ceremony, all of us knew these Games were going to be something to behold. We watched in awe as sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson proved that she was not only back, but higher. We held our breath as Simone Biles flipped, leapt, and soared to her eleventh medal, becoming the most decorated gymnast in history. We couldn’t help but arise and jump as Stephen Curry fired a 3-pointer over center Victor Wembanyama of France to secure the gold medal for the U.S. men’s basketball team.

This 12 months’s Olympics saw the most medals for LGBTQIA+ athletes, and the most for girls in the United States. As an LGBTQIA+ athlete and former NFL player, I used to be proud and hopeful. The progress I saw was nothing wanting inspiring, an example of what sports can and needs to be: a spot where all and sundry, no matter gender, sexual orientation, or background, can compete at the highest level and be celebrated for who they’re.

But as the Olympic flame faded and the world returned to its day by day rhythms, I used to be faced with a stark and depressing reality. The NFL season is quickly approaching, and once more, we’re reminded that the game I really like with all my heart doesn’t have a single male athlete, not in the NFL, nor in any of the major male-dominated sports leagues in the United States.

The contrast is unattainable to disregard. How is it that on the international stage, where athletes from every corner of the world gather, we see such a wealthy mosaic of representations, while in our own backyards the silence is deafening? The truth is that the problem runs much deeper than the courage or willingness of athletes to live their truth. It stems from a culture shaped by misogyny, anti-gay prejudice and patriarchy, forces that begin to affect sports culture and athletes at a young age. While not all sports leagues are affected, the toxic environment in lots of male-dominated sports creates barriers for LGBTQIA+ athletes. As a nation, we lose the majority of LGBTQIA+ athletes long before they reach the skilled level, often in youthwhere this harmful dynamic pushes them out of the game.

To see true representation at the highest levels of sport, we’d like to start out by addressing these issues at the grassroots level. We have to make all sports, especially youth sports, more inclusive. That means difficult and changing the toxic facets of sports culture that marginalize young athletes based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. It is a national responsibility to make sure that every child, no matter who they’re, feels secure and welcome in sports from the very starting.

In 2015, I used to be drafted into the NFL, a dream realized after years of labor and dedication. However, after public outingIt wasn’t until 2019 that I really began to fight — not only for a position on my team, but for acceptance in a league that always struggles with inclusivity. I do know what it means to navigate the complexities of being each an NFL player and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. The fear of rejection, the pressure to adapt, and the constant threat of discrimination or the fear of coming out and losing your dream of playing in the NFL could be crippling. It’s a burden that too many athletes still carry, and it should not be tolerated. The time for change is long overdue.

As I reflect on these issues, I’m also reminded of the recent lack of a towering figure in the fight for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sports, Billy Bean. A baseball legend and MLB Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Bean was greater than just an excellent athlete, he was a beacon of hope and change for a lot of, including me.

Bean’s work off the field transformed men’s sports. His dedication to making a more inclusive environment in MLB is a legacy that may proceed to encourage athletes and advocates. I can confidently say that his efforts have made it easier for LGBTQIA+ athletes like me to face tall in our truth. I hope to seek out myself in the NFL a fraction of what Billy was to MLB.

Beans he died at the age of 60 acute myeloid leukemia, but his impact will probably be felt for generations. You will probably be missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Billy.

The NFL and other major men’s sports leagues have a chance — an obligation — to create an environment where athletes feel secure and supported to be themselves. It’s not nearly making statements or posting on social media; it’s about taking real, tangible actions that exhibit a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. It’s about ensuring that the next generation of athletes don’t need to select between their love of the game and their ability to live openly and authentically. The NFL has committed to a partnership with GLAAD, and for the past three seasons we’ve seen them host Super Bowl week. Despite this, there was zero energetic player attendance in the league annually, and the event often clashes with other NFL celebrations, like NFL Honors, making player participation nearly unattainable. Progress is being made, but we now have to be critical and consistent in a league with unlimited resources. We can say, “Good job, do better.”

We have seen what is feasible on the world stage. Now it’s time for the NFL and other major U.S. sports leagues to rise to the occasion. The progress we witnessed at the Olympics shouldn’t be the exception, but the norm.

To all athletes who’re still waiting for the right time, moment, and setting to step into the highlight: You will not be alone. Countless people stand with you, support you, and will proceed to fight for a world where you possibly can be yourself on and off the field.

To all the young athletes who feel insecure, isolated, or like they don’t slot in: Know that you simply will not be alone. The world of sports is changing for the higher, and so many individuals see you, value you, and work tirelessly to be certain that you possibly can thrive as you might be. Hold on to your passion, hold on to your dreams, and know that you simply are loved and supported. Your presence in sports is required, and together we’re constructing a future where every athlete, including you, can play with pride and joy.

The journey is way from over, but together we are able to make sure that every athlete in all places experiences inclusion, authenticity and pride in the next chapter.