The NFL has long been seen as a hyper-masculine and traditionally conservative space, but New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders is taking a stand to change that perception. This summer, the two-time Super Bowl champion is launching an LGBTQ-friendly youth football camp, aiming to make the sport more welcoming to all. Saunders, 28, first announced this initiative during the 2025 GLAAD Media Awards on March 27 and later elaborated on his mission during an appearance on Good Morning Football.
Khalen Saunders champions inclusivity with LGBTQ-Friendly Youth Football camp
Khalen Saunders is no stranger to using his platform to push for inclusivity. His camp, set to launch on July 5, is being organized in partnership with GLAAD and the NFL Pride Football Combine , making it one of the first of its kind. The initiative aligns with the core values of his Original Element foundation, which focuses on fostering inclusivity and creating opportunities for marginalized communities.
In the NFL, conversations about diversity and inclusion often revolve around race, gender, and socioeconomic status. However, Saunders is highlighting an area that rarely gets the attention it deserves—LGBTQ+ representation in football. He acknowledges the league’s predominantly heterosexual culture and recognizes the need for change.
"Being an ally is more than just saying I support, but it's also showing up," Saunders stated. "Being in the NFL is very male-dominant and heterosexual dominant and it feels as though there's not really a space for the LGBTQ community."
The defensive tackle believes that many LGBTQ+ individuals, despite their love for football, feel alienated from the sport. His goal is to create an environment where young athletes can thrive regardless of their background or sexual orientation. Saunders’ initiative sends a clear message: football is for everyone.
"These are people who feel like they have to be hidden, although they might love the sport, they might love the NFL, they might love football in general as a sport, but they kind of shy away from it just because of orientations, or all these other kind of outside things," Saunders said on the show.
"That's my goal to continue to spread positive energy around that because football is for everybody," Saunders said. "Football is for all."
Saunders’ passion for inclusivity stems from his personal experiences. His brother, Kameron Saunders, is a professional dancer and a backup performer for Taylor Swift. The two brothers have always supported each other's interests, with Khalen learning about dance from Kameron and vice versa.
"Back in the day, he'd be educating...he'd be like, 'Oh, that was a pirouette,' and telling us whatever they're doing in the class," Saunders recalled. This mutual appreciation for their respective crafts has reinforced Khalen’s belief that sports, like any other field, should be accessible to all, free from discrimination or bias.
His commitment to fostering positive change doesn’t stop with this camp. Saunders believes that athletes—especially those in the NFL—have a responsibility to use their platforms to inspire the next generation. "It's always a good thing to try and uplift people, to help the future generation with tools they can have to be more healthy physically and mentally," he said.
Also Read: The cost of loving an NFL star: How Kayla Nicole’s breakup with Travis Kelce affected her career
With the support of former Dallas Cowboys player RK Russell, who came out as bisexual in 2019, Saunders is set to make history with his LGBTQ-friendly youth football camp. His initiative is a bold step toward breaking down barriers and ensuring that football truly remains a game for all.
Khalen Saunders champions inclusivity with LGBTQ-Friendly Youth Football camp
Khalen Saunders is no stranger to using his platform to push for inclusivity. His camp, set to launch on July 5, is being organized in partnership with GLAAD and the NFL Pride Football Combine , making it one of the first of its kind. The initiative aligns with the core values of his Original Element foundation, which focuses on fostering inclusivity and creating opportunities for marginalized communities.
In the NFL, conversations about diversity and inclusion often revolve around race, gender, and socioeconomic status. However, Saunders is highlighting an area that rarely gets the attention it deserves—LGBTQ+ representation in football. He acknowledges the league’s predominantly heterosexual culture and recognizes the need for change.
Powerful: Saints star DT Khalen Saunders says he is hosting an LGBTQ-Friendly Youth Football Camp:
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 2, 2025
“The NFL is very male-dominant and heterosexual dominant, and it feels as though there's not really a space for the LGBTQ community.”
Saunders's brother Kameron is a back-up… pic.twitter.com/RavgZmDj7T
"Being an ally is more than just saying I support, but it's also showing up," Saunders stated. "Being in the NFL is very male-dominant and heterosexual dominant and it feels as though there's not really a space for the LGBTQ community."
The defensive tackle believes that many LGBTQ+ individuals, despite their love for football, feel alienated from the sport. His goal is to create an environment where young athletes can thrive regardless of their background or sexual orientation. Saunders’ initiative sends a clear message: football is for everyone.
"These are people who feel like they have to be hidden, although they might love the sport, they might love the NFL, they might love football in general as a sport, but they kind of shy away from it just because of orientations, or all these other kind of outside things," Saunders said on the show.
"That's my goal to continue to spread positive energy around that because football is for everybody," Saunders said. "Football is for all."
Saunders’ passion for inclusivity stems from his personal experiences. His brother, Kameron Saunders, is a professional dancer and a backup performer for Taylor Swift. The two brothers have always supported each other's interests, with Khalen learning about dance from Kameron and vice versa.
"Back in the day, he'd be educating...he'd be like, 'Oh, that was a pirouette,' and telling us whatever they're doing in the class," Saunders recalled. This mutual appreciation for their respective crafts has reinforced Khalen’s belief that sports, like any other field, should be accessible to all, free from discrimination or bias.
His commitment to fostering positive change doesn’t stop with this camp. Saunders believes that athletes—especially those in the NFL—have a responsibility to use their platforms to inspire the next generation. "It's always a good thing to try and uplift people, to help the future generation with tools they can have to be more healthy physically and mentally," he said.
Also Read: The cost of loving an NFL star: How Kayla Nicole’s breakup with Travis Kelce affected her career
With the support of former Dallas Cowboys player RK Russell, who came out as bisexual in 2019, Saunders is set to make history with his LGBTQ-friendly youth football camp. His initiative is a bold step toward breaking down barriers and ensuring that football truly remains a game for all.
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