National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame facts for kids

The National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame is a special place that honors people and groups. It was created in 2013 to celebrate those who are LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender) or allies. These are people who have done amazing things in sports. They have also helped make sports better for the gay and lesbian community.

This Hall of Fame started soon after Jason Collins became the first openly gay NBA basketball player. It is located in Chicago, Illinois, at the Center on Halsted.

Honoring Sports Heroes

The Hall of Fame celebrates athletes, coaches, and others who have made a big difference. These people are called "inductees." They are chosen because of their achievements and their efforts to support the LGBT community in sports.

The First Class: 2013

The first group of inductees was announced on June 18, 2013. A special ceremony took place on August 2. Here are some of the people and groups honored that year:

• Brendon Ayanbadejo
• Anheuser-Busch
• Glenn Burke
• Ben Cohen
• Jason Collins
• Orlando Cruz
• Chicago Cubs
• Chuck Dima
• Justin Fashanu
• Federation of Gay Games
• Andrew Goldstein
• LZ Granderson
• International Gay Rodeo Association
• Christina Kahrl
• Billie Jean King
• Chris Kluwe
• Dave Kopay
• Greg Louganis
• Martina Navratilova
• Outsports.com
• Dave Pallone
• Jerry Pritikin
• Renée Richards
• Patty Sheehan
• Dr. Tom Waddell
• Johnny Weir

New Honorees: 2014

More sports heroes were added to the Hall of Fame in 2014. This group included:

• John Amaechi
• Billy Bean
• Mark Bingham
• Tom Daley
• Wade Davis
• Fallon Fox
• Brittney Griner
• George Moscone
• Chris Mosier
• Nike
• Diana Nyad
• Jerry Smith
• Stand Up Foundation
• Gareth Thomas
• Esera Tuaolo

More Greats: 2015

The 2015 class brought even more inspiring people into the Hall of Fame. These inductees were:

• Kye Allums
• Megan Rapinoe
• Robbie Rogers
• Dale Scott
• Roy Simmons
• Helen Hull Jacobs
• Chris Morgan
• Gene Dermody
• Roger Brigham