Everybody’s Welcome
New Balance and its family of athletes are proud to support GLSEN’s Changing the Game initiative for advancing the acceptance for LGBTQIA+ youth in athletics through the development and implementation of inclusive physical education curriculum and sports guidance supporting LGBTQIA+ students. Whether in physical education class or in competitive sports, all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have a right to play and feel like they belong.
We reached out to New Balance athlete ambassadors and asked them about their personal experience with locker room unity. When a team comes together and accepts everyone for their authentic selves, it makes for a better, safer space for all.
Emma Checker
“I am proud to play in a sporting culture which defines success by how integrated the team is. The success of the team is born out of a united purpose, underpinned by individual differences and strengths which thrive in an inclusive environment.” - Emma Checker, Professional Soccer Player
Aaron Nesmith
“The locker room is a place I have called home for many years across different states, cities, and teams. All athletes know what it’s like to have a great locker room and it can even come down to a difference between a win or a loss. The key to a great locker room is making sure it is a space where every person can feel comfortable, confident, and safe.” - Aaron Nesmith, Professional Basketball Player
Sierra Romero
“I’m telling you right now I love you for who YOU are. It’s not fair, nor right, that we categorize human beings based on their gender and sexual identity. Speaking from experience, you can’t control everyone’s perception of you, but what you can control is how you carry yourself and how you treat other people.” - Sierra Romero, Professional Softball Player
Randal Grichuk
“Being in the league is a lot like being a part of a massive family. We are a big, diverse group that really values our differences and challenge one another so we can be great athletes on the field and even better people off. Acceptance means that everyone is a crucial and equal member of our inclusive family.” - Randal Grichuk, Professional Baseball Player
GLSEN works to ensure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach millions of students and educators in K-12 schools, via action at the national, state, and local level. Since 1990, GLSEN has improved conditions for LGBTQIA+ students across the United States and helped launch an international movement to address LGBTQIA+ issues in education.
GLSEN’s Changing the Game initiative advances acceptance for LGBTQIA+ youth in athletics through the development and implementation of inclusive physical education curriculum and sports guidance supporting LGBTQIA+ students. Whether in physical education class or in competitive sports, all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have a right to play and feel like they belong.
A proud supporter of GLSEN’s Changing the Game initiative since 2019, New Balance will donate $200,000/year to the program over the next three years. In a plan projected to impact more than 1 million students by 2025, Changing the Game will begin work in Canada and the UK, eventually expanding globally to non-English speaking countries.
The Prism Alliance Associate Resource Group recognizes inclusivity as an inherent tenet of teamwork and integrity, the foundation of our brand values. While celebrating our diversity, and striving for inclusivity, our aim is to create a safe and supportive space for both current and future associates. Our goal is to educate, empower, and engage individuals, and the organization, to create change that better serves our associates, consumers, athletes and communities. Our purpose is to establish New Balance as a prominent voice and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Longevity and stability in a workforce make for a stronger company. People stay at companies when they are happy and feel good about their workplace. New Balance, for me has been a safe haven and I know how fortunate I am. I also know that this is not a universal experience for all and that is why Prism Alliance and the other Associate Resource Groups are so important – a safe place to have a voice and be supported.” - Rachel Edelstein-Penn (she/her), National Retail Training and Quality Service Manager – Retail Operations
“It is well recognized that diversity and inclusion can have a positive impact on the bottom line in any business and organization. To be a part of the New Balance Prism Associate Resource Group is to give life and voice to the LGBTQIA+ community here at New Balance and the broader community at large. To me, education is ultimately the means to create effective social change. It is an absolute privilege to create that change here at New Balance with my fellow LGBTQIA+ colleagues and allies. Happy Pride Month!” - Tyler Mossop (he/him), Business Information Analyst I – Apparel, Accessories and Equipment
“Inclusion is the act of making people feel both physically and psychologically welcome, and here’s the best part about it – we all have the power and ability to practice inclusivity! I feel empowered to share my ideas and point of view on topics that range far beyond my identity when assumptions aren’t made about who I love. New Balance is an incredible organization that will only be made stronger as we continue to unlock our collective superpower of inclusion.” - Heather Beatty (she/her/hers), Strategy Manager – Strategic Planning
