GLAAD, Athlete Ally Want to Change Sports

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation announced Tuesday that it's partnering with the Athlete Ally organization to offer tolerance trainings to all 141 major league sports teams.

GLAAD, along with Athlete Ally founder and former college wrestler Hudson Taylor (pictured), will offer sessions on LGBT-tolerance and understanding in an effort to combat the epidemic of homophobia in professional sports.

"This is not about politics, it's about being respectful of fans, personnel, and athletes of all levels who just happen to be LGBT," GLAAD president Herndon Graddick said in a release. "Safe spaces for LGBT young people in the world of sports can be just as important as they are in the classroom. Pro athletes are some of our culture's most important role models, and we want to empower them to stand up for teamwork and respect."

Athlete Ally was started by Taylor as a resource for athletes, coaches, and fans looking to combat anti-LGBT sentiments in sports.