Mackenzie Dunford: Breaking Barriers as the First LGBTQ+ Player in the CJFL

Mackenzie Dunford has made history in the Ontario Football Conference and the Canadian Junior Football League as the first openly LGBTQ+ player who identifies as non-binary. Dunford is 22 years-old and has been playing football for 7 years, with the last two as a member of the Quinte Skyhawks, where they play on both the Offensive and Defensive Line. Dunford says that they have felt accepted and supported in who they are, but also acknowledges that they have faced some challenges within the sport. 

Dunford says that they have felt supported by their teammates “I definitely feel accepted. I was able to talk to my coaches and they all know and support it.” Dunford goes on to say that the majority of negative comments have stopped after a private conversation. “They didn’t mean anything by it but I told them it was hurtful and that’s not what you say and they stopped.”

Dunford (left) standing with teammates at Skyhawks practice

While there have been some challenges, Dunford believes that the culture in football is beginning to change. "I feel like there's more support than is actually shown. I definitely feel like even though there is this culture of toxic masculinity in football, I feel like it's changing."

While Dunford recognizes that the football culture is changing, they know that more work needs to be done to make it more inclusive for everyone. “My problem is a lot of the time it's not really the players and the coaches, it's the fan base.” Dunford says that a lot of the negative comments they’ve received have come from people online. “I've had a lot more comments on Twitter from so-called fans than I have from other players so I feel like just the culture around football needs to change.”

As for what steps need to be taken, Dunford suggests that organizations should have more conversations with LGBTQ+ athletes. They believe that by doing this, organizations can gain a better understanding of the experience of LGBTQ+ players. “Even if you can't find a football player who's willing to talk about it, talk to another athlete. They might be able to help. Just opening that conversation." As more connections are formed between organizations and players from different backgrounds, Dunford thinks that it will help to increase representation in the sport.

Representation in sport is something that Dunford feels is important. They liken it to how representation in movies and television are important. “For those who want to become an athlete but don't see themselves in the sport that they want to play, it could feel very discouraging and possibly make them feel like they don't belong there.” When it comes down to it, Dunford believes that representation helps athletes feel more welcomed.

“Having that representation and showing people that yeah you do belong, you can play and do whatever you want if you put your mind to it just means a lot.”

Dunford does their part to try and make the sport more inclusive, posting about their experience on social media. They say that they know their message is connecting with people. “I’ve gotten a few messages privately from some who have said that I've given them the courage to come out to their families. Some have even come out to their coaches.” Dunford says that this is encouraging as it’s about more than the sport of football.  “It's about connecting with someone on a personal level. Honestly, it makes me feel good. I'm glad that my message has found the right person.”

Dunford is looking forward to their third season with Quinte this season and helping to establish a positive culture within the Skyhawks organization.