Representatives from more than 60 organizations, including 14 NFL teams, assembled at the Vikings facility in Eagan on Thursday for the first-ever LGBTQ summit held by an NFL team.
Approximately 150 people gathered in the auditorium of the TCO Performance Center to hear panel discussions on how best to promote an inclusive atmosphere for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer athletes, and listen to stories of coming out from current and former gay or trans athletes and coaches, such as former Vikings defensive lineman Esera Tuaolo and Olympic diver Greg Louganis.
The Vikings organized the summit in part to fulfill a settlement reached with former punter Chris Kluwe, an outspoken ally of LGBTQ people who threatened to sue the team in 2014 after special teams coordinator Mike Preifer used anti-gay language.