Athletic Ability (Ability- power or capacity to do). This is an ongoing project

GSAFE and Fair Wisconsin, two LGBTQ+ organizations in Wisconsin, have teamed up to create a photo series that opposes and brings to light the anti-trans student athlete bills that are sweeping the nation. Because not all trans youth are out, we wanted to protect students’ safety and privacy. We decided to photograph anyone identifying as a LGBTQ+ student athlete in Wisconsin; in that way, no one is singled out. Our fight is most effective when the entire LGBTQ+ community comes together to support each other.

Skye, whose portrait appears in the photo series as the golfer, is quoted as saying

“What I love most about golf is the feeling that I'm out on the course playing with my friends, not against them, and that sense of community is what matters most to me'”

The idea of community and or chosen family is something that has been a central theme in queer life since the beginning. For LGBTQ+ people, Athletics is another way to build that community as well. It is a way to have a common experience with a group of others, where you are cheered on and encouraged to always do your best. No matter the outcome, you are accepted because we are all on the same team.

As the photographer of the project, this series was close to my heart. I am a queer BIPOC person who grew up somewhat isolated, but sports became my refuge. The ball field was the place where I was most accepted for all of the things I thought were unacceptable about myself. Being able to photograph these young LGBTQ+ athletes has been a full-circle moment in my life. I truly thank them for allowing me to capture a moment of their beautiful lives. I hope their courage and willingness to share their story with the public helps people understand why playing a sport you love is a human right and should not be questioned or politicized.

In the end, this series aims to put a human face on LGBTQ+ Youth in Wisconsin and tell their own stories. In too many instances, they are only seen as a statistic, but in fact, they are an individual following a dream and living out a passion. They are just starting in life and need all the support and encouragement they can obtain from their school and their community. We hope to show this through these portraits.

You can learn more about the project and donate to help fund it by visiting Athletic.givesmart.com. You can Learn more @ GSAFEWI.ORG and Fairwisconsin.com