High school senior Simran Kumar is a lifelong sports fan. She noticed the inequality in coverage of women’s sports and decided she wanted to create change. She created the brand Equalize the Future as a way to show your support for not just women’s sports, but equality as a whole. Inspired by the USWNT, Kumar stands for inclusivity and equality for all.
She spoke with Sports As Told By A Girl about her vision for the future.
Tell us about yourself and where your love of sports came from.
My name is Simran, and I’m a 17-year-old from Beaverton, Oregon. I will be a senior in high school this fall. I love to watch Netflix, hang out with friends, and spend time with my dogs!
My love of sports has been prominent from the moment I was born. Whenever there was a soccer game on, I would clap my feet. I would say that my dad is responsible for my love of sports. We watch every sporting event together, usually football, soccer, and basketball. I am a huge Oregon Ducks, Seattle Seahawks, Portland Thorns, and USWNT fan! I have played at least one sport since I was 5; soccer has always been my favorite. I watch and follow sports intensely. I am thrilled that sports are coming back!
You started the brand Equalize the Future. What are you hoping to accomplish?
Equalize The Future was created to raise interest and promote equality in women’s sports. My hope is also to highlight that women’s sports aren’t just about the game. As a whole, it stands for equality and broader principles. One example of this is how the WNBA is involved in the “Say Her Name” movement to seek justice for Breonna Taylor. Sports figures are heroes, role models, and mentors to athletes and non-athletes alike. They realize they have the power and, therefore, the responsibility to speak up on behalf of others that can’t.
My goal for Equalize The Future is to be a leader in creating impactful change in the unequal world we live in today. I want my platform and products to inspire society to use their voices for the greater good. Equalize The Future means equality on all fronts (LGBTQ+, BLM, gender equality, equal pay, etc.), and I want to support and propel the movement to achieve equality for all.
What made you feel the need to start your own line?
I felt the need to start my line because I think that it is a perfect way for others to express their support for the movement and establish a community through our shirts. As stated in our mission statement: “Advocating for women’s equality in sports through clothing, attitude, and stories”. Our clothing is intended to spark discussion within society as a whole. Once people share their stories dealing with inequality and their hopes for the future, the dream is that this will eventually start to shape society’s views to become equal and respectful of women athletes and others in general.
Also, there isn’t a large market for support for women’s athletics. I felt that my brand is versatile because you are supporting all women’s teams, as well as a movement beyond sports. By wearing our shirts, you are promoting women’s sports and equality and shaping the future of our world.
What is your favorite piece?
I would have to say that my favorite shirt would be the Inspiration Shirt. This was a tough decision, though. Without women athletes, and especially the USWNT, I would not have been as moved to make a difference or be the person I am today. They have truly inspired me and shown me what it means to be empowered. I was especially motivated because they use their platforms to demand social justice and change.
Your brand is about inclusivity. How do you think sports could be more inclusive?
I think that the sports industry could definitely be more inclusive. There is far fewer sports coverage of women’s athletics than men’s. Especially with sports coming back, lots of people were acting as if the NBA was the first American league to restart. Not only was the NWSL successfully the first league to return, but they also did so safely without any positive cases. This was not highlighted by many news sources that consistently promoted the NBA’s return. Also, I think that sports should be more inclusive in terms of pay. The USWNT’s call for equal pay is one of the reasons why I founded Equalize The Future, and it is a crucial piece for equality/inclusivity.
As a country, what do you think we can do better to be more inclusive?
As a country, we should work to empower those who have experienced inequality and discrimination. This should include providing resources, opportunities, equal pay, and siphoning their voices and ideas. We need to understand that one’s identity existing does not limit their potential and possible contribution to the world.
