# @thegistca on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DLBAuLGxAz9
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/31614769-thegistca-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/3860e856ac.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-06-17T20:45:42.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** The GIST Canada (@thegistca) — https://gondola.cc/thegistca

## Caption

“Football is for all.” 🏳️‍🌈🏈⁣
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New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders is making change with the announcement of an LGBTQ-friendly football combine and day of play, revealed during his speech at the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. 👏⁣
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Joined on stage by former NFL defensive end and out bisexual athlete RK Russell, Saunders shared that the event will take place this summer and is designed to create a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ athletes and fans to connect with the game they love. 💪⁣
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Speaking to the need for action over words, Saunders emphasized that football has long been seen as a space dominated by heteronormativity and it's time that changes. 💯⁣
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"These are people who feel like they have to be hidden, although they might love the sport," he said. "They shy away because of orientation or other outside factors." 🥺⁣
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Through his Original Element foundation, Saunders is championing a vision of the game that centers inclusion and access. 🙌⁣
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He previously spoke at the NFL Pride Clinic during Super Bowl week and continues to lead with intention in the league. His message is clear: Allyship is action, and football belongs to everyone — no matter who you are or who you love. 🤩⁣
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This month, The GIST is highlighting important LGBTQIA+ athletes and their stories, as well as important cultural moments in pride's history. We want to continue to use our platform to elevate underrepresented voices in today's media. ✊ #thegist⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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#pride #lgbtq #sports #football #khalensaunders

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 693
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 2

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| The GIST Canada | @thegistca | https://gondola.cc/thegistca | Sports Media Outlet |

## Tags

sports, lgbtq, khalensaunders, pride, football, thegist

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