"Since President Trump returned to the White House in January, bringing with him an agenda that is hostile to diversity, equity and inclusion, sponsors who once embraced LGBTQ+ athletes and initiatives have turned away from the likes of McDermott-Mostowy, with devastating effect. "There's definitely been a noticeable shift," said McFarland, who for decades has represented straight and gay athletes in a number of sports, from the NFL and NBA to professional soccer."
""They're vital income opportunities that help athletes fund training, fund their competition and their livelihoods." The impact is being felt across a wide range of sports where sponsorship dollars often make the difference between winning and not being able to compete. But it's especially acute in individual sports where the athletes are the brand and their unique traits - their size, appearance, achievements and even their gender preferences - become the things that attract or repel fans and financial backers."
Conor McDermott-Mostowy lacks the funding to pursue Olympic competition despite talent and ambition. His agent estimates that annual costs to live and train reach six figures. In the past year, sponsors have withdrawn support after he disclosed that he is gay. Sponsors moved away after President Trump returned to the White House with an agenda hostile to diversity, equity and inclusion. Many brands and speaking opportunities that previously highlighted LGBTQ+ athletes have been pulled back or disappeared. Those partnerships provide vital income for training, competition and livelihoods. The withdrawal of sponsorship hits individual athletes especially hard because athletes function as personal brands, and perception-driven decisions often override performance considerations, causing human and competitive costs.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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