The Los Angeles Valiant of the professional esports Overwatch league became the esports organization to link with an LGBTQ group when it announced a partnership with the You Can Play Project to combat homophobia in the sport.

“For too long, the esports industry has been unfairly characterized as a toxic, unwelcoming environment,” LA Valiant CEO Noah Whinston said in a release. “This assumption runs counter to the core values of the Los Angeles Valiant organization and our partnership with the You Can Play Project further cements our dedication to making the LA Valiant an inclusive community. The message is simple: no matter who you are, who you love, or what gender you identify as — if you can play, you can play.”

Homophobia and transphobia has been an issue in esports, which is especially popular with young men. The anonymity of the internet helps fuels anti-LGBTQ bias during live matches and chatrooms. One Overwatch pro was suspended this year for homophobic remarks he made during a livestream of a match.

“Esports is one of the fastest growing segments in entertainment and sports. Organizations like ours are plucking kids out from behind their computers and bringing them to compete for the first time together, in person, as a team,” said Jen Neale, Valiant PR head. “The locker room culture still exists, it just manifests itself in a different way — through chats, message boards, live streams, etc. I am fortunate to have a group of young men (average age 19) who are pretty open minded when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community, but they do have slips where they don’t realize casual homophobia can have an impact on someone. This is where YCP comes in. ...

“Sadly, esports has seen rampant homophobia and transphobia. Much of this goes back to the anonymous nature of the internet. What we want to express to future members of the Valiant (and hopefully, esports as a whole) that if you’re the best at what you do — regardless of sexual orientation, gender identification, race, etc. — we want you here.

The Valiant’s partnership with You Can Play, which has been working with college and pro sports teams and leagues since 2012, recognizes that homophobia is something that needs to addressed in esports, which has gained mainstream credibility and coverage in recent years.

As part of the agreement with You Can Play, former pro lacrosse player Andrew Goldstein is the Valiant’s local ambassador to work with the team and organization. He will conduct sensitivity training with the team and staff. Other initiatives are being developed.

Here is the news release the Valiant released this morning: