November 7, 2024
Throughout my professional soccer career, I’ve been committed to creating lasting change both on and off the field.
Play Proud with Common Goal
Website: https://www.common-goal.org/
Since 2021, I’ve pledged 1% of my salary to Play Proud, a Common Goal initiative focused on making soccer more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community.
As one of only three openly gay male professional players worldwide at the time, this partnership has special significance in addressing systemic barriers in the sport.
The initiative focuses on:
- Combating homophobia at youth levels
- Creating inclusive environments for young players
- Educating coaches and youth leaders
- Preventing early dropout of LGBTQ+ youth from soccer
Through Play Proud, we’re working to ensure that future generations of LGBTQ+ players can pursue their dreams in soccer without facing discrimination or feeling the need to hide their identity.
Athlete Ally
Website: https://www.athleteally.org/
My partnership with Athlete Ally has been instrumental in advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. As a Pro Ambassador, I work alongside this nonprofit organization to create welcoming athletic environments and challenge homophobia and transphobia in sports.
Key Highlights:
- Honored at the Sixth Annual Athlete Ally Action Awards (2019)
- Participated in “Playing for Pride” initiative with fellow soccer players
- Regular speaking engagements with student athletes and professional players
- Advocacy work focused on creating inclusive sport communities
The organization has been a crucial platform for sharing my story and supporting other LGBTQ+ athletes. As the only openly gay active MLS player at the time of my coming out in 2018, this partnership helped amplify the message that sport should welcome everyone, regardless of their identity.
Community Initiatives
San Diego Loyal Impact Programs
During my time with SD Loyal, I was part of several impactful community initiatives:
- Leal Sin Muros (Loyal Without Walls): Building connections in the Cali-Baja region
- Mission Gratitude: Supporting active duty and veteran military families
- Heart of San Diego: Community volunteer program
- Together San Diego: Partnership with San Diego Pride for diversity and inclusion
- Soccer Capital: Youth development and academy programs
Speaking Engagements
Advocacy in Sports
I regularly engage with organizations and institutions to share my experiences and advocate for:
- LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports
- Mental health awareness
- Youth development in soccer
- Creating safe spaces in athletics
Awards & Recognition
2021 USL Impact Player of the Year
This recognition from the United Soccer League celebrated my commitment to social justice and creating inclusive spaces in soccer. The award highlighted:
- Leadership in LGBTQ+ advocacy
- Partnership with Common Goal (1% salary pledge)
- Hosting restorative justice workshops
- Participation in USL’s “A Conversation On Sport and Inclusivity”
SD Loyal Community Impact
As part of SD Loyal’s award-winning community engagement programs, I participated in initiatives that made real change in San Diego:
- Raised $50,000 for Rady Children’s Hospital
- Supported local youth through free soccer camps
- Engaged with military families and veterans
- Participated in cross-border community building
- Contributed to inclusive sports programming with San Diego Pride