Hudson Taylor – CAMPUSPEAK 2012 New Speaker & LGBT Ally
Hudson Taylor lives and breathes in what he believes. With a life so dedicated to what he preaches on a day-to-day, hour-to-hour basis, this is one individual making serious headway for LGBT rights and inclusiveness.
Hudson started wrestling when he was five, continued through high school and was a top recruit for college wrestling. The four years he spent wrestling and going to school for Theater at the University of Maryland, Hudson started to witness drastic differences between the two environments he was most a part of: the wrestling mat and the theatre room. LGBT acceptance wasn’t as strong in the sports realm as Hudson felt was appropriate. In small doses, Hudson started speaking out—like during wrestling matches he wore LGBT rights sticker on his wrestling headgear.
As his college career was beginning to wind down, Hudson realized that as a leader he could do more for the voices of LGBT individuals. Hudson then went on to create his nonprofit, Athlete Ally.
Athlete Ally, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the straight allies in sports to speak out about homophobia and transphobia, and it serves as a resource to encourage athletes, coaches, parents, fans and other members of the sports community to respect all individuals involved in sports.
A nonprofit is tremendous work, but it wasn’t enough for Hudson. Currently, he’s also busy speaking to college campuses across the nation about the importance of becoming an ally, and as a wrestling coach at Columbia University, he helps his wrestlers works towards a safe environment for all.
CAMPUSPEAK is thrilled to have Hudson join our roster and to support him and his passion. His keynote, Allyship: Becoming a Champion for Inclusion on Your Campus, will open students up to some of the greatest tools necessary for gaining inclusion and respect for LGBT members. Hudson shares his personal journey to becoming a straight ally, and will help students realize that it’s about celebrating the things we have in common, as people, as students and as citizens caring about fair treatment for everyone.
“When we diminish others, we only diminish ourselves,” states Hudson.
To get a glimpse into the mass amount of positive action this young man has accomplished, check out this short film by Buick and the NCAA, which highlights Hudson’s educational efforts. Watch HERE.
For a different perspective on LGBT issues, community building, diversity or athletic programming, check out Hudson and his keynote, Allyship: Becoming a Champion for Inclusion on Your Campus.
Visit campuspeak.com/taylor to learn more.
RSS
CAMPUSPEAK Home