ABOUT US
knock-OUT emerged from the desire to create an alternative for LGBTQ people in London, Ontario to meet and connect outside of a bar, and off the internet.
What really sets knock-OUT apart from other LGBTQ organizations is our philosophy. We are championing inclusion in the community based on a model of alliance-building among non-voters (i.e. young people).
Part of what makes us Canadian is our love for sports! All athletes deserve to play the sports they love as they are - free from fear and anxiety, and free from harassment and discrimination.
At knock-OUT, we believe that eradicating fear is at the forefront of reaching our mission.
We have found that fear in relation to sexual orientation and team-based sports takes two forms: (1) the fear experienced by non-straight athletes and coaches, and (2) the fear experienced by their teammates, coaches, etc. that are straight. This is a challenge young, non-voting students continue to face. To solve the former, all coaches and mentors must take a stand to end bullying and discrimination in their locker rooms, arenas, etc; to create an environment where players can come out if they choose. Education and awareness are needed to achieve the latter. Every athlete, coach, and Phys-Ed teacher should feel that they have the tools and resources to answer questions and show their support if and when a team member needs it!
Our mission is to break down social and cultural barriers that stand between athletes and the sports they love; to knock out discrimination and stigma faced by LGBTQ athletes and their straight Allies.
GET INVOLVED
Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Are you having trouble connecting and making friends? We are here to help!
Knocking out stigma is a big job. As such, we are currently looking for volunteers to plan and staff our tournaments, events, and fundraisers. We want to hear from you. Use the hashtag #knockoutstigma so we can see the good work you are doing!
At knock-OUT, we recognize the wider responsibility to society that each of us have and we believe in peoples' ability to drive social change.
Most of our events and products involve raising money for other organizations that are making a difference in their charitable fields or helping to raise funds for high schools who wish to establish gay-straight alliances (GSAs).