One beautiful example we see of social justice and sports doing an incredible job of co-existing together is the diversity, equity, and representation we see across the many sports genres. We see unified sports teams in all sports types, through all age groups and levels, that consist of a diverse mix of teammates. Sports allow for a fair and equal society, where each person and all groups are valued and affirmed- as stated by the John Lewis Institute for Social Justice. Through continuously providing equal opportunity to all members of sport, no matter their gender, race, or identity, we can uphold equity and representation. By doing so, we build inclusive environments and diverse sports teams that empower future generations of athletes by providing them with real-time examples of equality and representation. We see more and more policies being enforced that require inclusive practices and fair playing fields. We see women stepping into roles in sports that were once male-dominated. Take Jessica Campbell for example- the first woman to coach an NHL hockey team emerging in 2024. On top of this we see safer environments for LGBTQ+ and biracial athletes, more major league or Olympic sports being introduced, and more representation and traction for disabled sports. Though we may not consider equality and representation fully reached, we are on an incredible journey towards it. The progress made over the years is a powerful reflection of societal changes and a communal desire for inclusion, diversity, equality, and representation. These are no longer just ideas, but items in sport that are becoming reality.

This article highlighted the vast differences and emphasized the large disadvantages that oppressed and minoritized groups are subject to in the world of kinesiology, health, disability and physical activity. The refusal to understand the health gap that exists between white middle and upper-class individuals and marginalized groups such as Latinxs, African Americans, LGBTQ, Indigenous and disabled people lead to these marginalized groups being labelled as high risk for being less healthy and fit, as well as being labelled as lazy and lacking responsibility, in comparison to the white middle and upperclassman. As a result of this, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and those in poverty are blamed for not complying with health and physical activity norms and are considered to be the problem, target, and solution for research interventions. The authors discuss that these dominant health narratives are rooted in deficit thinking and whiteness and heavily promote inequality. These health gaps we see between groups of people show a heavy history that has not changed as far as racial exclusion, segregation, and discrimination in not only health but education as well. The rapidly changing demographics we see in schools will also bring an exclusion of equality to children. Though there has been a rapid rise in the diversity of children at school, an extremely underwhelming amount of diversity among teachers has been observed. The authors discussed the disadvantages that our children, especially in physical activity, will experience as a result of teachers not being culturally competent, aware of cultural discrepancies, and willing to work toward social justice. In order to mend the gap we must emphasize equality for all groups, but especially for the minorities that are shorted as a result of systemic injustices. We must move hidden and oppressed groups to the forefront of kinesiology and health research so that we can better represent, help, and provide services to these individuals.

By definition, feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights based on the equality of the sexes. However, feminism is much deeper than this. Feminism is fighting for and believing in the basic rights and the equal treatment of women, their bodies, and their autonomy. Feminism challenges the systemic oppression that has been set up for decades and fights to ban the societal norms that marginalize women. Feminism aims to create a society where women are able to obtain the same opportunities that men are, without the additional challenges that they face due to their gender. Further, feminism fights for the equality of all it builds from the acceptance that gender, race, sexuality, and ability are all intertwined.

Feminism matters to me because I am directly living with the inequalities and discrimination that women face. Feminism matters because I want to be able to have equal access and opportunity for myself, to have autonomy and right to my own body, and I want to see my future children and grandchildren have these rights too. To me feminism is not only about making society see women as equal, but its about creating an equal future for generations to come.