Impact of an LGBTQ Campus Recreation Student Employee Training Initiative on Professional Competencies

Abstract

Campus recreational sport programs strive to create an environment that is accessible to diverse participants, including LGBTQ population groups. While improvement has been made in promoting resources and workgroups related to diversity management practices, little empirical evidence exists as it relates to the efficacy of diversity trainings for recreational sport employees. This study analyzed the impact of a diversity training program geared toward the development of affirming recreational sport practices for LGBTQ populations and exploring the professional competencies related to LGBTQ inclusion that are practiced within in a collegiate recreational sport setting. Results indicated that the targeted training initiative was effective in statistically improving employee confidence as it relates to LGBTQ professional competencies (p < .000), while nonattendance at the training showed no statistically significant differences in such competencies. This study serves as a starting point for investigating the impact of LGBTQ-specific diversity training programs on recreational sport staff members.