Alumnus Hudson Taylor Leads UMD LGBT Summit
4/19/2016 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Former University of Maryland wrestling great Hudson Taylor returned to campus Monday evening to help lead the first Maryland Intercollegiate Athletics LGBT Summit at the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.
The three-time All-American was one of the night's featured speakers, and sat on a panel of Maryland coaches, athletes and administrators to discuss the issues surrounding LGBT athletes in today's society. Taylor is the founder and executive director of Athlete Ally, a nonprofit organization that provides public awareness campaigns, educational programming and tools and resources to foster inclusive sports communities and support for LGBT athletes.
Taylor touched on his own journey to becoming an ally during his presentation Monday evening, and challenged the audience of fellow Terps to make a stand for more inclusive and welcoming athletic environment.
“There's never been a successful social justice movement for a minority group without the support of the majority,” said Taylor. “If we're serious about ending any form of discrimination, it cannot just be the responsibility of those who are impacted by it. It is incumbent upon all of us to do what we can where we can to make our team, our leagues, our athletic departments as inclusive and welcoming as we know they can and should be.”
Taylor was then joined a panel to discuss the issues facing LGBT student athletes today, which included redshirt senior wrestler Geoffrey Alexander. Alexander reflected on the importance allies have as a whole, and looked to the future for what can be accomplished with LGBT acceptance in athletics.
“No one can do anything by themselves,” said Alexander while making his final remarks. “That's why we have teammates, that's why we have coaches that's why we have everyone in this room; because they help and support each other no matter what. As long as we keep doing that, we'll push our programs, this University and the community in the right direction.”
Taylor is the only three-time All-American in Maryland wrestling history, twice placing third while also finishing fourth at the NCAA Championships during his Terrapin career. He holds the school record for single season falls (24), career falls (87) and career victories (165) and was the 2010 ACC Tournament Most Valuable Wrestler. Taylor finished his career among the all-time leaders in falls in NCAA wrestling history, and was also a two-time Academic All-American.
For more information on Taylor's message and what you can do to get involved, head to athleteally.org.
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