Loren Draper

MC 4106

Story 2

LSU Gymnastics Brings Sexual Trauma Awareness

Sexual trauma is something that the gymnastics community is all too familiar with. When

trainer Larry Nassar was accused of sexually abusing the USA Gymnastics team, gymnasts all

around decided change had to be made. LSU gymnastics has partnered up with S.T.A.R. to

advocate for sexual trauma survivors.

When information about the USA team came out, the entire gymnastics community came

together to wear teal ribbons. These ribbons represented a sport-wide unity against sexual trauma

and assault. However, LSU gymnastics wanted to advocate for something a little closer to home.

“We decided to wear star ribbons to not only spread awareness, but to let people know

that there are outlets and places for them to seek help,” Olivia Gunter said.

Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response is an organization in Baton Rouge that is not

only taking initiative to support and protect survivors, but is also breaking down societal barriers

about speaking on sexual trauma experiences. STAR advocates for sexual violence to be

understood as a public health problem. Services are open to a wide demographic of people

ranging from children who were sexually abused, to adults who were sexually abused as children

or experienced trauma/assault as adults.

Many victims of sexual trauma do not want to come forward with their experiences.

History has shown negative backlash on the victim, doubt of the victim’s story and

embarrassment because of the experience to name a few. The gymnastics team feels like their
platform can be a really open and safe space to begin the conversation about sexual trauma and

how real it is.

“The sport of gymnastics is already so sexualized just from comments that you see on

Facebook and how people talk about what we’re wearing,” Gunter said.

Most LSU gym meets are packed with elementary and middle school girls who look up to

the gymnasts. These athletes understand the impact they can have on young girls, and uphold

themselves to the highest standard because of it. The simple act of wearing a star ribbon in their

hair could change the life of a fan dealing with a traumatic experience.

“Our fan base is super young and we want girls to know that not only are we talking

about it, but we want to make a change,” Gunter said. “As a team, we want to show our support

and create a change in the sport of gymnastics.”