Chambana Sun

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Illinois Volleyball's Cari Bohm represented Illinois at the 2024 Athlete Activism Summit, a four-day event from June 27-30 hosted by Athlete Ally, a non-profit LGBTQIA+ athletic advocacy group that aims to make athletic communities more inclusive and less discriminatory.

The summit provided an opportunity for student-athletes, coaches, and administrators from institutions across the country to build community, gain knowledge, and commit to actions to expand LGBTQIA+ inclusion and allyship on their campuses.

"There are no words to truly describe the impact this summit had on my personal growth," Bohm said. "This summit has given me self-confidence, purpose, and a community of friends that inspire me to be my best self in every capacity."

The four-day summit featured conversations with activists, professional athletes, and student-athletes on topics ranging from visibility and representation to collective power and intersectional activism. It also included breakout sessions focused on campus advocacy and storytelling.

The opening day of the event featured the AEI award ceremony, during which Illinois was recognized as one of only 20 schools to achieve a perfect score on the Athletic Equality Index (AEI), which measures LGBTQIA+ inclusion policies and practices in collegiate athletic spaces.

On the following day, attendees participated in plenary sessions and workshops covering impactful storytelling that centers athletes' voices. They were taught how to craft their own unique stories. The group then gathered for a barbecue and games and received customized Pride jerseys.

The third day included conversations with NWSL stars highlighting compassionate leadership. Additional panels featured trans, non-binary, asexual, and aromantic athletes sharing their stories before closing out with a ceremony. Attendees watched a professional soccer game featuring Racing Louisville FC, an NWSL team based in Louisville. The Illini representatives were honored during halftime for their perfect score on the Athletic Equality Index.

The summit concluded with team-building competitions on the final day. Illinois' contingent returned to Champaign-Urbana following the four-day event.

Bohm described the experience as "empowering, inspiring, and transformative" while listing some takeaways: "The athletes that are the least silent are the most remembered; when you show up as your authentic self, you are giving others permission to as well; and when it comes to inclusivity, respect is the standard but celebration is the true mark of success."

"Come to Illini Allies!" shared Bohm, a second-year co-leader for Illini Allies, a student-athlete affinity group for LGBTQIA+ athletes. "The queer athlete experience is so isolating, and until you experience a community that centers you, you can't fully understand the extent of the positive impact it has."

Feeling recharged and inspired, Bohm is ready to take everything learned at the summit back to campus to continue making it a more inclusive and safe space for queer athletes.