Openly gay former NFL linebacker Esera Tuaolo and South African Olympian Leigh-Ann Naidoo will keynote Sports Equality Day, a special one-day sports conference taking place at the Gay Games VII in Chicago on July 14.

In addition to the lunch keynote presentations, three workshops will be led by international experts. The three workshops will focus on youth and sports, the international GLBT sports movement and educational efforts aimed at reducing barriers to sports among women and the GLBT community. Sports Equality Day is jointly presented by Gay Games Chicago, the Federation of Gay Games and the Gay & Lesbian Athletics Foundation (GLAF). The Women’s Sports Foundation is a supporter of the final workshop.

GLAF executive director O. Mac Chinsomboon said: “We live in a society obsessed with and influenced by sports. This forum is much more than an academic event as it will provide valuable networking opportunities for athletes in the Olympic, professional, amateur, collegiate and high school sports communities.”

The GLAF is dedicated to the acceptance and visibility of GLBT men and women in the professional, amateur and recreational athletics communities. The foundation seeks to foster understanding and respect among all members of the athletics community regardless of sexual orientation, through promoting educational programs and resources and inclusive environments throughout all levels of sports and athletics. The foundation also promotes the development of positive role models and healthy lifestyles through sports and athletics for society at large.

The one-day conference takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Roosevelt University, located at 430 S. Michigan in downtown Chicago. Registration is $25. Call (773) 907-2006 for more information, or visit www.gaygameschicago.com/special.

– Press release