NFL launches LGBT initiative, NFL Pride

Scott Gleeson | USA TODAY

The NFL launched its LGBT affinity group, "NFL Pride," on Wednesday at a 150-person gathering at league offices in New York.

"NFL Pride" was created by the league's Diversity Council and was spearheaded by gay NFL employees John Cora and Michael Castor, according to Outsports. It joins the league's three other affinity groups: Women's Interactive Network, Black Engagement Network and Community Teammates.

The NFL's official statement on the group said that it will aim to "heighten sensitivity to the LGBTQ community" and reinforce "commitment to an inclusive environment in which all employees are welcome."

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To coincide with discussion on the initiative, several openly gay professional athletes served as keynote speakers for the launch and open panel. The speakers, who discussed ways to create a more inclusive environment in sports, included: MLB executive Billy Bean, former NBA center Jason Collins and, most notably, former NFL offensive tackle Ryan O'Callaghan, who came out publicly earlier this summer. O'Callaghan said he contemplated suicide during his playing days with the Kansas City Chiefs because of his life outlook when he was in the closet.

O'Callaghan told USA TODAY Sports this summer, "Early on I decided that I could never come out. When you’re in the closet, it’s a scary place. You think no one will love you, especially if you hear slang and people talking bad about gay people. You think they’re talking about you. ...You hear people you love talk and say these things and you think that’s exactly how they think of you. Or they will if they knew you. You just decide not to let them know you."