In mid-October, the international Federation of Gay Games (FGG), announced the launch of Out Athlete Fund, a global grant giving organization for LGBTQ+ athletes.

Out Athlete Fund (OutAF) provides grants to LGBTQ+ collegiate athletes and LGBTQ+ Olympic athletes around the world making it the premiere charity supporting out athletes in competitive amateur sports.

Out Athlete Fund is being fiscally sponsored by the Federation of Gay Games, giving it IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. FGG is incubating the new foundation to accelerate its fundraising capacity and allow it to connect with the broader ecosystems of organizations supporting the cause of equality in sports.

“The mission of the FGG is built upon the core principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best™. " says Les Johnson, VP External Affairs for FGG, “LGBTQ+ people feel more able to be out today and, often, at an earlier age than when the FGG was founded. All ages of the LGBTQ+ communities have more access to avenues where they can be who they are. We recognize that today's LGBTQ+ athletes need the type of community support that the Gay Games provides. We are excited to be incubating a new organization that will extend our mission into collegiate and Olympic competition.”

Out Athlete Fund Founder, Alex Soejarto, added “We are thrilled to be sponsored and mentored by the Federation of Gay Games. LGBTQ+ athletes are making a difference and creating change globally by competing as their authentic selves. We are equally excited to offer grants supporting athletes playing openly and making a difference with teammates, competitors, and fans in how LGBTQ+ people are perceived.”

Out Athlete Fund will deliver services to athletes with the support of FGG’s infrastructure. Over time, OutAF will scale up with committed resources so as to handle the operations of the fund itself while still in an engaged relationship with FGG.

By supporting LGBTQ+ athletes financially and otherwise, to play in mainstream sports, OutAF enables these athletes to focus on excelling on the field of play, without their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression being an issue or point of discussion.

Learn more about Out Athlete Fund HERE. Or, contact OutAF founder Alex Soejarto at 415-371-9480 or at info@outathletefund.org