The pro-LGBTQ+ sports organization You Can Playwith aims "to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by developing a culture of respect, in every player, coach and fan," per its websitehas been accused of transphobia, verbal abuse and more, according to Yahoo! Sports.
The allegations stem from an April 2020 memo sent to You Can Play's executive board, staff and board of advisors from former director Sarah Kogod. Kogod's memoobtained by Yahoo Sports from an outside sourcecited alleged incidents of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, verbal abuse, transphobic behavior and unethical spending and financial mismanagement by You Can Play staff, spokespeople and board members.
The memo provides case studies to represent what Kogod called "dozens" of issues. One such case study outlines a 2019 incident in Australia involving a You Can Play spokesperson who sent unsolicited nude photos to a local host and allegedly sexually harassed two partners of the organization.
Included in Kogod's memo is a handwritten apology letter from the You Can Play spokesperson involved in the alleged incidents, outlining their self proclaimed "casual sexism," "internalized homophobia," "toxic masculinity" and "tasteless, intrusive message," which they referred to as "disgusting." Kogod's memo also outlined alleged transphobia; in one instance, as multiple sources described, a board member questioned if they should refer to a trans person as "it."
Current You Can Play Executive Director Kurt Weaverwho reportedly was not with the organization during the alleged incidentsdenies transphobia within the organization. Weaver added he does not believe the allegations within the memo to be true then, or now. He said he believes You Can Play has changed since that memo and is working to create inclusivity in sport.
The full article is at sports.yahoo.com/you-can-play-project-pro-lgbtq-group-allegations-harassment-abuse-transphobia-153916807.html .