Mental Health Focus: PUMA & The Trevor Project Announce #REFORMTheLockerRoom

May 7, 2021 

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in the US and the upcoming Mental Health Awareness week in the UK, this month we're spotlighting some of the incredible organizations in our network that focus on mental health and wellness. Today, we are featuring Stay in the Game Network member, The Trevor Project.  

More than 1.8 million LGBTQ young people in the US seriously consider suicide every year. Based in the US, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. As part of its partnership with global sportswear manufacturer PUMA, it recently announced #REFORMTheLockerRoom, a new educational program to champion the mental health of LGBTQ youth athletes. It is the latest addition to PUMA’s #REFORM social justice platform.

In its first year, PUMA and The Trevor Project led a series of research-focused initiatives to identify how equal, safe and affirming access to sports participation may benefit the mental health of young LGBTQ athletes and prevent increased suicide rates within this group. The data suggested that inclusive sports participation can promote positive mental health outcomes — from peer acceptance to identity formation to higher self-esteem.

Launching this summer, #REFORMTheLockerRoom's accessible curriculum will include virtual facilitated learning, with a focus on competency training in LGBTQ youth identity and suicide prevention. The initiative will also elevate Trevor’s crisis services to youth sports clubs, coaches and sports professionals across the country.

“Participation in sports can help promote positive mental health outcomes among LGBTQ young people – that's why it’s so important to implement LGBTQ inclusive policies and practices in the locker room and on the field,” said Carrie Davis, Chief Community Officer of The Trevor Project. 

“LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their straight/cisgender peers, but those who report having at least one accepting adult are 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt. For many, that accepting person could be a coach or athletic director, so we want to empower adult-age sports leaders to become affirming mentors and help foster a welcoming environment for young LGBTQ athletes.” 

The new program aims to close participation gaps and ensure all LGBTQ youth can participate in sports as their authentic selves with the full support of coaches, athletic directors and other sports leaders. Beginning this summer, the program will become available to select schools, state athletic associations and organized leagues, and will also have The United Soccer League (USL) as its first Community Partner. 

“Since announcing our multiyear partnership with The Trevor Project last year, we have been inspired by the work the team has done to create a curriculum that will help break down barriers and create even more opportunities for LGBTQ youth who want to play and be part of the game,” said PUMA’s Global Director of Brand and Marketing Adam Petrick. 

“It’s exciting and encouraging to receive positive feedback about the program thus far from coaches, athletic departments and leagues, and sports leaders across the U.S., and we look forward to expanding the curriculum’s footprint over the next few years.” 

Alongside this announcement and to raise awareness on LGBTQ youth athlete mental health and participation this month, PUMA is releasing a special edition T-shirt with proceedings benefitting The Trevor Project. In addition, USL released an in-depth interview with Collin Martin – the only openly gay professional male soccer player in the US – to talk about the intersection of athletic and inclusivity.