Ep. 10: Michelle Michiels - Exploring sports from a Canadian Queer lens.

I am thrilled to continue the FIFA 2026 series! Each week, I will explore the vibrant football culture from various regions around the globe. In this week's episode, I connect with my friend, Michelle Michiels and get curious with their experiences with sports from a Canadian Queer lens and their thoughts on FIFA 2026. Michelle shares an engaging narrative that begins with their early exposure to sports, starting as a child on ice skates. With their mother working as a hockey referee, she often had Michelle stay in the penalty box, which creatively served as a babysitting solution while she oversaw ice hockey games. From this unconventional start, Michelle contemplates their sports journey in a small town. Eventually, they transitioned to university, where priorities shifted, and sports took a backseat. It wasn't until moving to Toronto for their master's program that they reignited their love for athletics through a queer softball league, where team sports have consistently provided a welcoming space for community building and connections. Now, as a parent, Michelle is exploring the interests of their children in both individual and team sports. Additionally, Michelle shares their thoughts on trans athletes and FIFA 2026. Connect with Nga Do here: https://linktr.ee/Flightofthedodobird