New Balance and Glsen renew their multiyear relationship to champion inclusivity via safe locker rooms for LGBTQIA+ student athletes

Boston (June 24, 2022) — As part of its multiyear commitment to #glsen, a U.S.-based organization working to end discrimination, harassment and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression and to encourage LGBTQIA+ cultural inclusion and awareness in K-12 schools, #newbalance will increase its investment in the Changing the Game program within the U.S. and expand beyond the United States with a $600,000 commitment over the next three years aiming to impact 1 million students.

According to the 2019 #glsen National School Climate Survey, 43.7% of LGBTQIA+ students avoided locker rooms, and 40.2% avoided physical education or gym class entirely. In response, #glsen enlisted #newbalance to support its Changing the Game program, which was established in 2011 to create inclusive, encouraging, safer spaces for student athletes. The program’s mission and resources assist schools in creating and maintaining an athletic and physical education climate based on the core principles of respect, safety and equal access for all students, teachers and coaches, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Together, since 2019, #newbalance and Changing the Game have impacted more than 91,000 students and trained 154 school administrators on how to create supportive school environments for student athletes using the program’s resources and curriculum.

“We believe it is our responsibility to support the communities in which we operate and those who are most vulnerable to inequity,” said #jeffmcadams, VP of global marketing. “With our renewed and expanded commitment to GLSEN’s Changing the Game program, we pledge to keep working toward a world where LGBTQIA+ youth feel safe, supported and able to show up as they are in locker rooms and sporting environments around the globe.”

With global expansion in mind, #newbalance and #glsen will increase Changing the Game’s staffing and enhance the educational resources available in key areas within the U.S., Canada and the U.K. throughout 2022 and 2023. Looking ahead to 2024 and 2025, #newbalance and #glsen will expand the

program’s reach to include non-English-speaking countries, where resources specific to different markets’ needs will be developed.

“Our work to protect and represent LGBTQIA+ students is more urgent than ever,” said #melaniewillinghamjaggers, GLSEN’s Executive Director. “With New Balance’s support, we’ll be able to help more LGBTQIA+ students feel included and supported in the classroom and in the locker room."