INCLUSION IN SPORT
LGBTQ+ PARTICIPANTS
Compared to other groups, data on the physical activity levels of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) community is less well established. It is well known more needs to be done to encourage more of the LGBTQ+ community to take part and stay involved in sport and physical activity, by making sport spaces more inclusive, safe and welcoming.
In a study conducted by Sport England in 2016, it was evident there were some clear inequalities around participation and relationships between the LGBT community and sport and physical activity:
- 55% of LGBT men were not active enough to maintain good health, compared to 33% of men in the general population
- 56% of LGBT women were not active enough to maintain good health, compared to 45% of women in the general population
- 64% of LGBT people who identified as something other than male or female (for example genderfluid or genderqueer) were not active enough to maintain good health
Discrimination, LGBTQ+ phobia and a lack of awareness of the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community is still extremely prevalent, and significant barriers to participation persist. What is less visible and understood is the impact of heteronormativity and cisnormativity on LGBTQ+ participation in sport and physical activity. A wide range of evidence exists to demonstrate that there is still much more work to be done, to make sport a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone, no matter their background, preferences, lifestyle or choices. The use of homophobic and transphobic language within sport settings, the acceptance of homophobic and transphobic language as ‘banter’, and the prevalence of anxiety regarding sports participation are common themes that emerge between studies.
BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION
- Often in competitive sport there are generally only two gendered divisions which individuals might not feel like they fit into
- Participants might not feel comfortable doing sports with their birth-assigned sex if there are limited opportunities for mixed-sex sport offers
- Negative unconscious bias and language used towards LGBTQ+ members from volunteers, spectators and other participants
- Fearful of discrimination, particularly if they have negative associations or experienced discrimination in a sport setting
- Lack of body confidence or discomfort wearing sportswear, swimwear or team uniform
STRATEGIES TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION
- Ask your participants how you can make your sport setting a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for them to be and stay involved
- Use gender neutral language in communications and during sessions that avoids the use of gendered or traditional terms, e.g. Chair instead of Chairman
- Use ‘open’ categories in competitions to support transgender, genderfluid or genderqueer athletes
- Utilise opportunities for ‘mixed’ gender sessions or competitions where it is safe and appropriate to do so, for example Touch Rugby, Mixed Netball
- Have a clear and published Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy for your sports organisation that supports inclusion that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity
- Creating safe spaces through targeted sessions
- Provide Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training for sport volunteers
- Show public support for initiatives like ‘Pride in Sport’, Pride month and other key celebrations
- Advocate for and establish safe and appropriate facility access for LGBTQ+ community e.g. mixed gender cubicle changing facilities
- Create a culture where inappropriate and derogatory language is deemed unacceptable, continuously challenged and behaviour held accountable
- Respect the preferred names and pronouns of participants, and ask for guidance on how to address individuals if you are unsure
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT, RESOURCES AND TRAINING
- Safeguarding LGBTQ+ young people in sport – webinar | CPSU (thecpsu.org.uk)
- Safeguarding young LGBTQ+ athletes | CPSU (thecpsu.org.uk)
- LGBTQ+ | Sport England
- LGBT+ Inclusion – Pride in Our Workforce – Energise Me
- Liberate | Equality, diversity and inclusion across the Channel Islands
- Pride-in-Our-Workforce-Resource.pdf (energiseme.org)
- Sport-Physical-Activity-and-LGBT.pdf (lancslgbt.org.uk)
- LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports | sportanddev
- Sports Media LGBT+
- Pride in Sport • Jersey Sport
- LGBTQ+ inclusivity | Buddle
- Rainbow Laces (stonewall.org.uk)
- pdf (stonewall.org.uk)
- Resources | Pride Sports