Sporting Sexually: Why We Need to Be More Sport Inclusive for LGBTQIA+

At a Glance

The physical activity level and sports preferences of the LGBTQ+ community have not been extensively studied compared to other groups. As a result, there is a lack of established data on this topic. The sport and physical activity sectors are collaborating with community groups to better understand what strategies are effective for them. By working together, they hope to develop tailored approaches that meet the unique needs of each community. This partnership is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for all individuals to engage in physical activity and sports.

In 2016, we had the pleasure of commissioning Pride Sports to conduct a 10-week study on the participation of LGBT+ individuals in the realm of sports. The study aimed to shed light on the levels of involvement of this community in sports activities. Engaging LGBTQ+ individuals in sports and physical activities are an essential step towards promoting inclusivity and diversity. The Sport, Physical Activity and LGBT+ report marks the beginning of our journey towards achieving this goal. The report's findings have led us to develop crucial actions to promote physical activity among individuals.

LGBTQIA+

How Do We Make Our Teams and Clubs More Inclusive and Welcoming?

Sport is a powerful tool for social development. Social development is about improving the well-being of every individual in society so they can reach their full potential. The success of a community is linked to the well-being of every citizen. Sport is not just physical activity, it promotes health (physical and mental) and education, fosters cognitive development, teaches social behaviour, and helps social cohesion. Sports can be used to increase the social capital and social integration of LGBTQ+ people into the wider community, as well as empower them and give them skills that will help them give back to the community.

LGBTQ+ community members still face barriers when trying to enter and participate in sports. They face discrimination and harassment at all levels of sport, from the community and recreational levels to the professional and elite levels. For sports to be used as a tool for development and inclusion, we must work to change sports culture to be more welcoming to gender and sexual minorities.

Why Do Sports and Development Need to Focus on LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Sports?

LGBTQ+ people:

• Are less likely to participate in sports than heterosexual and cisgender peers

• Drop out of sports more frequently than heterosexual and cisgender peers or feel that medical interventions are necessary to continue participation

• Experience social isolation if they remain in toxic sports environments

• Wished they had more role models when they were young

Greater economic inclusion is proven to benefit emerging economies. We help activists ensure that LGBTQIA+ people have the resources and protections they need to succeed in the Sport Industry.