The Power of Visibility
Outside of my role as founder of KedzieT Consulting, I dedicate most of my free time to athletic goals, training, and queer athlete advocacy.
A former division-one track athlete, former two-time member of the US National Quadball team, and current member of the GLTA World Tour, sports have always been at the center of my life. They provided an outlet for my competitive nature, but they’ve always done so much more. As a kid, they provided structure and a place to make friends. In high school, they were a way to prove myself to others; a way of showcasing talent and finding value in myself when I was struggling with my sexual orientation. In college, they gave me community and self-confidence. And now, they’re the break I need from the hustle and fatigue of everyday life.
Oddly enough, for all the good sports have brought me, they were also a source of extreme pain as a young gay man, but coming through those negative experiences only made my love of sport stronger. Growing up, and still today, I experienced and witnessed my fair share of homophobia. Well before coming out I was a target of severe bullying in and out of athletic spaces. I would often ask myself, "Should I keep playing?" Lucky for me, I’ve always been a person who has used doubt and negativity to fuel my fire, so the experiences I endured paid off in the long run. I was hungry to prove myself. If someone said I couldn’t, I would show them I could. And I did.
Now, at 33 years of age, I want to show young athletes that they can let their passion, performance, and individuality shine. I want them to know that they are enough, no matter their orientation or identity. Visibility and representation are paramount to our community; you never know who's watching and searching for inspiration.
If I can help at least one young person realize that they have the strength and support to be themselves both on and off the field, then I will know I have done something good with my life. For now, I partner with incredible nonprofits and diversity-minded businesses to fundraise, amplify their causes, and boost DEI program awareness as I travel and compete in tennis tournaments around the world.
Making an Impact
Since beginning my advocacy efforts in 2016, I have raised more than $22,000 for queer organizations.
My primary partners and beneficiaries in this work have been Athlete Ally and the Federation of Gay Games.
I was honored to join the Athlete Ally team in January 2016, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to end the rampant homophobia and transphobia in sports and to activate the athletic community to exercise their leadership to champion LGBTQI+ equality.
I joined the Federation of Gay Games as an ambassador in early 2021 as part of the lead-up to the Hong Kong and Guadalajara Gay Games in 2023 , the largest and most inclusive sports and culture event in the world. Built upon the core principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best, the quadrennial Gay Games brings together people from all over the world for an event that leads with diversity, respect, equality, solidarity, and sharing.
Affiliations
Gay & Lesbian Tennis Association
My current athletic endeavors focus on the GLTA, a global LGBT sports organization that sanctions over 70 competitive tennis events across the globe each year. These events are a wonderful opportunity for all tennis enthusiasts from complete beginners to high-level accomplished players to participate at the wonderful game of tennis.
In my first season (2023), I competed in 10 events in 7 tournaments across 4 countries. I brought home 2 titles in the process, but most importantly, raised more than $7,000 to split between Athlete Ally and The Federation of Gay Games.
