In honor of Pride Month, throughout June, NATA Now is highlighting members of the NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee and their impact on the profession.
NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee District Two Rep. Keir Livingston, MS, LAT, ATC, first encountered the athletic training profession thanks to a family friend who was studying an athletic training program in college.
“As she described her courses and clinical sport assignments – back when the internship route was still common – I was captivated,” Livingston said. “The idea that I could help athletes recover from injuries and safely return to their sport fascinated me.”
She said what attracted her to the profession was its fusion of science, sports and personal care.
“Athletic training isn’t just about taping ankles; it’s about injury prevention, rehabilitation and being a consistent, trusted presence for athletes,” Livingston said. “I knew I wanted to be that person – someone athletes could rely on during their toughest moments.”
Livington said she is driven to make a difference in the LGBTQIA+ community, while nurturing culturally competent care as a volunteer leader.
Dive further into her story as she shares her passion for and the rewards of serving the profession.
What was your first volunteer position within the athletic training profession and why did you get involved?
My first volunteer position within the athletic training profession was serving on the College, University, Professional Committee for the Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey. I got involved after seeing a call for committee members come through email, and I immediately felt that it was a natural fit. At the time, I was working in the collegiate setting, and I saw this as a great opportunity to contribute to discussions and initiatives that directly impacted my area of practice.
I chose to get involved because I wanted to do more than just work in the profession – I wanted to help shape it. I believed I had something valuable to offer based on my day-to-day experiences and wanted to connect with others who were just as invested in supporting and advancing the profession at the collegiate and professional sports levels.
That experience opened my eyes to the importance of service, collaboration and advocacy within our profession. It also showed me that giving back doesn’t require decades of experience; just a willingness to raise your hand, share your perspective and work toward the greater good of the athletic training community.
What do you hope to accomplish as he NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee District Two representative?
In this leadership role, my primary goal is to advocate for greater inclusion within the athletic training profession, not only among our colleagues, but also in the way we provide care to our patients.
I hope to be a resource for developing and supporting inclusive policies that benefit both our professional membership and the diverse patient populations we serve. My focus includes promoting educational opportunities that help athletic trainers deliver affirming, culturally competent care, while also working to reduce the impact of social determinants that often limit access to quality health care.
Equally important to me is fostering a sense of community and belonging for LGBTQIA+ athletic trainers and allies. I want members to know that they are seen, supported and valued – and that they have a place in this profession where they can thrive authentically.
Why is representation in leadership important and how does it impact the profession?
Representation in leadership is essential because it ensures that diverse voices, perspectives and experiences are reflected in the decisions that shape our profession. When leadership is inclusive, it creates a culture where all members feel seen, valued and empowered to contribute – and that directly impacts the strength, relevance and growth of the athletic training field.
Leaders from underrepresented backgrounds bring insights that challenge assumptions, broaden conversations and help identify blind spots – especially in areas such as patient care, professional development and workplace culture. For example, when LGBTQIA+ professionals are at the table, we're more likely to see inclusive policies, affirming education and safer environments for both patients and practitioners.
Representation also matters because it inspires others. When individuals see people like themselves in leadership roles, it sends a powerful message that they belong – and that they, too, can lead and shape the profession. It helps build a pipeline of future leaders who bring fresh perspectives, advocate for equity and drive meaningful change.
How has volunteering helped you grow personally and professionally?
Volunteering has been one of the most meaningful ways I’ve grown both personally and professionally. It’s pushed me outside of my immediate work environment and connected me with a broader community of athletic trainers who are just as passionate about the profession as I am. Through that, I’ve gained new perspectives, built lasting relationships and developed a stronger sense of purpose in what I do.
Professionally, volunteering has helped me strengthen skills that go beyond clinical care, including leadership, advocacy, communication and strategic thinking. Serving on committees has given me the opportunity to work collaboratively, contribute to policy discussions and help shape initiatives that impact athletic trainers on a larger scale. It’s also opened doors for continued education and networking that I wouldn’t have accessed otherwise.
Personally, volunteering has been incredibly fulfilling. It has reminded me why I chose this profession in the first place: to care for others, to grow alongside my peers and to make a difference. It’s given me a deeper sense of connection and belonging, and it’s reinforced my belief in the power of service to build stronger communities.
What’s your fondest memory of serving so far?
My fondest memory of serving so far has been the relationships I’ve built along the way. The connections I’ve made through volunteering, with colleagues who share similar passions and values, have turned into everlasting friendships. These are people who not only inspire me professionally, but also support me personally, and that sense of community has been incredibly meaningful.
Whether it was collaborating on committee projects, sharing stories over conference calls or just being there for one another through the ups and downs of our careers, those moments of genuine connection are what I cherish most. It reminds me that service isn’t just about the work – it’s about the people. The friendships I’ve formed through volunteering will always be the most lasting and rewarding part of the experience.
What advice do you have for other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession?
The best advice I can give to other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession is this: Do what’s important to you – what you genuinely enjoy doing.
Giving back doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. It’s not about checking a box or doing what you think you “should” do; it’s about identifying where your passion intersects with your strengths and leaning into that.
If you love teaching, mentor students or preceptors. If you enjoy writing, contribute to newsletters, blogs or research. If you’re energized by policy or advocacy, get involved in legislative work through your state or district organizations. The profession needs contributions in all forms, and the most lasting impact comes from work that feels authentic and energizing.
When you're doing something you care about, it doesn’t feel like an obligation – it becomes a natural extension of who you are as a professional. That’s what makes it sustainable. That’s what makes it matter.
