As a child, I lived in Jordan, a country where being gay was illegal and socially unacceptable. I didn’t know anyone who was openly gay, and I certainly didn’t understand the struggles they faced. It wasn’t until I moved to the United States and started coaching a soccer team made up of refugee boys that I came face to face with the reality of what it means to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
I remember the day I found out that one of my players was gay. His name was Faisal, and he was a talented soccer player with a bright smile and a quick wit. I overheard some of the other boys on the team making fun of him for being gay, and my heart sank. I knew that I had to do something to support him and let him know that he was valued and loved.
But I didn’t know how to approach the topic. I didn’t want to say the wrong thing and make things worse for Faisal. So I did what any good coach would do: I got to know him as a person. I asked him about his interests, his family, and his experiences as a refugee in the United States. I listened to his stories and learned about his struggles and his triumphs.
Through our conversations, I realized that Faisal was so much more than just his sexual orientation. He was a young man with hopes and dreams and a desire to make a better life for himself and his family. He was also a talented soccer player who brought so much joy to our team with his skill on the field.
Over time, I saw the other boys on the team begin to accept Faisal for who he was. They stopped making fun of him and started treating him with respect and kindness. I could see the difference that my support and understanding had made, not just for Faisal, but for the entire team.
Through my experience with Faisal and the soccer team, I learned an important lesson about empathy and understanding. I realized that it’s easy to judge someone based on their sexual orientation, their race, or their religion, but it’s much harder to take the time to get to know them as a person. When we take the time to understand each other’s stories and experiences, we can break down the walls that divide us and build bridges of compassion and connection.
As I continue to work with refugee communities and advocate for the rights of all people, I carry this lesson with me. I know that I can’t change the world on my own, but I can make a difference in the lives of the people I meet, one conversation at a time. And I hope that through my work, I can help create a world where everyone is valued and celebrated for who they are, regardless of their background or identity.
In conclusion, my experience coaching a soccer team of refugee boys taught me a powerful lesson about empathy and understanding. By taking the time to get to know each player as a person, regardless of their sexual orientation or any other aspect of their identity, I was able to build bridges of compassion and connection that made a lasting impact on the team and on my own worldview. I believe that we can all learn from this lesson and work to create a world where everyone is celebrated for who they are, without judgment or discrimination.