Overview

This workshop explores the intersection of liberation psychology and LGBTQ+ participation in sports. Participants will engage in an in-depth analysis of systemic oppression and resilience within LGBTQ+ communities, emphasising the transformative role of sports as a platform for visibility, empowerment, and social change.

Drawing on liberation psychology’s core principles—concientización, deideologizing psychology, problematización, and realismo crítico—this session integrates both scholarly research and lived experiences to foster critical discussions on inclusivity, equity, and resilience. Special focus will be placed on recognizing and dismantling barriers faced by queer and trans athletes in various sports settings, while identifying actionable strategies for creating affirming and equitable spaces for all.

This workshop will combine lectures, group discussions, and interactive activities to inspire participants to integrate liberation psychology and equity practices into sports and beyond.

Level of Learning: Intermediate

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this event, participants should be able to:

• Understand Systemic Oppression in Sports: Analyze how colonization, heteronormativity, and cisnormativity influence the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in sports, particularly in competitive and recreational contexts.
• Apply Liberation Psychology Principles: Learn how concientización (consciousness-raising), deideologizing psychology, and problematización can be used to critically evaluate and challenge exclusionary practices in sports environments.
• Foster Resilience and Community Strength: Examine case studies of LGBTQ+ athletes and organizations, highlighting resilience strategies and community-based approaches to thriving despite systemic challenges.
• Develop Inclusive Practices: Explore actionable steps to create safe, affirming spaces in sports organizations and teams, prioritizing the well-being and visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes.
• Empower Advocacy and Leadership: Equip participants with the tools to advocate for policy changes and cultural shifts that amplify LGBTQ+ voices and challenge inequities in sports at local, national, and international levels.

Presenter(s)

Mr. David Smith

About the presenter(s)

David Smith is a PhD candidate (ABD) in sport/exercise science & psychology, with an M.Sc in sport/exercise psychology and B.Sc in sport/exercise science, asp German Association of Sport Psychologists -Sport Psychology Expert, NSCA CSCS and Compete Sports Diversity Leader - SDL. David's work on Sports Diversity reaches far and wide, having substantial experiences working with the LGBTQ+ sports community and LGBTQ+ athletes from all over the world. Currently working for several prominent organizations, such as You Can Play, Pride Cheerleading Association, Compete Sports Diversity, Special Olympics, and others. This work encompasses diversity, equity, and inclusion training as it pertains to sport psychology, specifically liberation psychology. Through a liberation psychology approach, David utilizes sport to empower confidence and authenticity for LGBTQ+ people to challenge themselves and the status quo toward acceptance and inclusion, worldwide.

Notes

Level of Learning: Intermediate

Target Audience

This event is aimed at Sport Psychology professionals who are looking to challenge their own assumptions and biases toward building accessibility and equity within sports for all.

Duration of Access

This event will be recorded. The recording will be emailed to all registered within 2 weeks post event and available for viewing up to 90 days.

CPD

It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this event aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the event counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.

The information in this presentation has been prepared in good faith and for educational purposes only. Therefore, the information is general in nature and should not be relied upon in the treatment of any condition and you should seek your own independent professional and/or legal advice concerning any specific issue. The APS accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or decisions relating to the information. The content should not be reproduced without permission or unless permitted by law.

If you are experiencing registration difficulties please contact APS Events Support.