Further resources and reading

Dive deeper into what supports and limits LGBTIQ+ individuals sport participation.
Dive deeper into the research on what supports and limits LGBTIQ+ individuals participation in sport.
Sports are supposed to be for all – but new research reveals just how few LGBTQI+ people play sport, opens in a new tab, Ryan Storr, Carleigh Yeomans, Kath Albury, The Conversation, (16 May 2024). Our new research is one of the first pieces of academic research in Australia to document how many LGBTQI+ people play and engage with sport. We also explored current levels of discrimination across sport in Australia, and the barriers and enablers of participation for young LGBTQI+ people. Our research focused specifically on LGBTQI+ people aged 16-25 across community sport and movement settings (including gyms and leisure spaces), and was funded by VicHealth. Our research showed 47% of LGBTQI+ youth were registered to a sports club between 2019 and 2022. Then, in 2023, just 33% of our sample said they currently participate in some form of competitive sport. Within different segments of the LGBTQI+ community, our data show just 31% of gay men and 29% lesbians play competitive sport, and even fewer within trans and gender diverse groups. Therefore, our data support previous research from the United States that show young LGBTQI+ people engage with sport at half the rate of non-LGBTQI+ youth. There is often much discussion within media about why there are very few openly gay men in professional sport. Our data highlight one of the reasons – gay men are less likely to play sport in the first place.Our data show targeted efforts and programs are urgently needed to ensure sport and movement settings do not continue to cause harm and force LGBTQI+ youth to drop out from sport. Additionally, the data raise significant challenges for the broader sport sector and its ongoing sustainability. Every sport wants new players and fans, but the sport sector risks losing a whole generation of young people unless it fully commits to reducing and eradicating discrimination towards LGBTQI+ people.
The All Gender Games is a place for everyone to participate in a safe and judgement-free space, opens in a new tab, Cat Hoang, Siren Sport/ABC, (17 September 2023). AGG was created in 2021. It is a fluid format soccer series made for queer, trans and gender diverse people and also welcomes black, Indigenous, and other people of colour (BIPOC) players and their allies. AGG is managed in an experimental format where teams are assigned at random regardless of gender identity, to move away from gender quotas enforced by mixed competition that often erase gender diverse athletes. Depending on how many people come to play, organisers adapt rules, field size and numbers on the pitch to optimise game flow for maximum enjoyment. Due to anti-trans protests occurring during the event's run in Melbourne, game marshals are present at the matches to give players peace of mind. Participants are also offered kits in a range of cuts and sizes that come with name tags where folks can specify their pronouns. Participants attributed their enjoyment to comfort on the field and being able to connect with other like-minded people, many wanting the event to run the length of a regular season.
Positive sport experiences of gay men, opens in a new tab, Jake Quinton and Kyle Rich, SIRC, (7 December 2022). In this blog, we discuss our research, in which we interviewed 9 gay men between the ages of 30 and 45 to examine their experiences in organized sports, how they navigate stressors, and ultimately how they derive well-being from sport participation. Our research suggests that positive sport experiences are derived not only from participating, but from building relationships with a range of people, having and being role models, and being competitive and successful in sport itself. Therefore, organizers should also consider how they can foster broader organizational cultures that support and value contributions of diverse participants as players, coaches, leaders, and peers.
Making sport more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community, opens in a new tab, Isha Saxena, sportanddev.org, (30 June 2022). LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport has been contentious, but LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, and for sport to be an inclusive space, it is imperative that LGBTQ+ policies and procedures are institutionalized in grassroots and elite sport.
How Tasmania's first LGBTIQA+ basketball team wants to change community sport, opens in a new tab, Megan Macdonald, ABC, (9 February 2021). Bushrangers Basketball is Australia's largest LGBTIQA+ basketball club. The club is aimed at providing "safe spaces for trans and gender diverse players". Rather than a priority on winning, the club strives for "non-competitive, fun games".
50 years of research: girls still avoid sport due to lesbian stigma, opens in a new tab, Out in the Fields, (3 December 2020). Most female rugby players in the UK and Canada say people automatically assume they are lesbians for playing the sport. The stigma and discrimination that girls and women experience when they play sports such as rugby, cricket, or ice hockey has been extensively documented in hundreds of studies by researchers over the last half-century (see timeline). Recent research suggests little has changed.
How LGBTQI+ AFL fans have banded together to create a network of pride groups, opens in a new tab, Evan Young, SBS, (16 July 2020). The AFL might be busy navigating coronavirus, but its fans remain as loyal as ever. For LGBTQI+ Australians who have previously reported feeling unwelcome by the men's game, they have been mobilising to forge a new sense of belonging. The Purple Bombers has continued to grow each year and almost all AFL clubs now have dedicated LGBTQI+ fan groups, which operate as part of a coalition called the AFL Pride Collective. Representatives from each group meet a few times a year to discuss common issues and collaborate at various AFL events and pride festivals around Australia.
New research reveals use of homophobic language ever-present within sport, opens in a new tab, PREM Rugby, (14 February 2020). The study analysed data collected from randomly selected rugby clubs in the South of England in January and February of 2020. It found that the majority of male rugby players (69%) had heard their teammates using slurs such as fag or dyke in the last two weeks, while 42% of players admitted to using this language themselves in the same time period. The study also found this language does not appear to be motivated by ‘homophobia’ or any malice or prejudice toward gay people, with many of the rugby players who used the ‘slurs’ also expressing positive attitudes toward gay people, and most (67%) male rugby players reported they have ‘close’ gay friends. 69% also want the language to stop and players reported language is motivated by peer pressure, and typically used to get a laugh out of others, or ‘fit in’ on their team.
Gay, lesbian and bisexual teens half as likely to play sports as straight youth, opens in a new tab, University of British Columbia, (22 February 2017). The study is the first of its kind to track sports involvement among LGB youth in Canada and was conducted in collaboration with the youth research non-profit McCreary Centre Society. In 1998, five out of 10 gay students played formal or coached sports. By 2013, that proportion had dropped to three in 10. Participation also dropped among lesbian girls (to 52 per cent, from 62 per cent in 1998); bisexual girls (38 per cent, from 48 per cent), and bisexual boys (42 per cent, from 59 per cent). Straight boys and girls were also less likely to be active in sports in recent years – proportions dropped from 71 per cent and 66 per cent in 1998 respectively, to 68 per cent and 61 per cent.
What will help stamp out homophobia in sport?, opens in a new tab Richelle Hunt, ABC Converation Hour, (17 May 2024). The rate of LGBT people participating in community sport is 30 per cent lower than the general public. That's according to new research released on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. In this episode, The Conversation Hour team explores the evidence of what is and isn't working to improve inclusivity and reduce harmful behaviour in grassroots and elite sport.
Field of tainted dreams, opens in a new tab, Dingle S, Radio National (10 May 2015). Homophobia is rife in Australian sport. Whether playing at the local park or representing their country, gay and lesbian athletes routinely hide their sexuality to avoid abuse while pursuing the sport they love. Sarah Dingle investigates how difficult it is to come out on the field.
Transgender Athletes in Competitive Sport, opens in a new tab, Eric Anderson, Ann Travers (eds.), Routledge, (2017). This book represents the first comprehensive study of the challenges that transgender athletes face in competitive sport; and the challenges they pose for this sex-segregated institution. Beginning with a discussion of the historical role that sport has played in preserving sex as a binary, the book examines how gender has been policed by policymakers within competitive athletics. It also considers how transgender athletes are treated by a system predicated on separating males from females, consequently forcing transgender athletes to negotiate the system in coercive ways. The book not only exposes our culture’s binary thinking in terms of both sex and gender, but also offers a series of thought-provoking and sometimes contradictory recommendations for how to make sport more hospitable, inclusive and equitable.
Out in Sport: The experiences of openly gay and lesbian athletes in competitive sport, opens in a new tab, Eric Anderson, Rory Magrath, Rachael Bullingham, Routledge, (2016). Research has shown that since the turn of the millennia, matters have rapidly improved for gays and lesbians in sport. Where gay and lesbian athletes were merely tolerated a decade ago, today they are celebrated. This book represents the most comprehensive examination of the experiences of gays and lesbians in sport ever produced. Drawing on interviews with openly gay and lesbian athletes in the US and the UK, as well as media accounts, the book examines the experiences of ‘out’ men and women, at recreational, high school, university and professional levels, in addition to those competing in gay sports leagues.
Pride in Sport Infographic: LGBTQ Inclusion in Sport, opens in a new tab, Pride in Sport, (November 2020). Key statistics and information relating to participation and experiences in the sport sector.
Free to exist: Documenting participation data on LGBTIQA+ young people in sport and physical activity, opens in a new tab, Ryan Storr, Carleigh Yeomans, Kath Albury, et al., Swinburne University for VicHealth, (May 2024). The aim of this mixed-method research project was to collect participation data on LGBTIQA+ young people (aged 16-25) in sport and physical activity, whilst exploring the experiences, needs and engagement of LGBTIQA+ young people in sport and movement settings. In total, 20 young people aged 16-25 years participated in 5 focus groups, and 506 LGBTIQA+ young people participated in a quantitative survey. Quantitative and qualitative data paint a concerning picture of young LGBTIQA+ people’s participation in sport and physical activity, with lower rates of participation and engagement than the wider population and high rates of discrimination when they do engage. However, more promising, are the perspectives of young people who want to engage in sport and movement, and their motivation for sport and movement spaces to do more to be inclusive. Our data highlight the need for policy makers, sport managers, and physical activity providers to undertake targeted LGBTIQA+ diversity and inclusion work to ensure that LGBTIQA+ young people can access safe, inclusive, and equitable environments that are free from discrimination. Ongoing education, training, and development related to LGBTIQA+ inclusive practices are important to ensure sport environments are inclusive of LGBTIQA+ people. The consequences of not doing this work are far reaching and may have significant long-term impacts and consequences for LGBTIQA+ people, including trauma, and physical inactivity throughout their life course. Ensuring young LGBTIQA+ people have positive experiences through adolescence and youth is crucial to encourage lifelong participation and to develop positive relationships with physical activity; sports and physical activity providers must make authentic commitments to ensure that sport and movement spaces are safe and inclusive for LGBTIQA+ young people. Young people want to see authentic pride efforts that engage all sections of LGBTIQA+ communities, efforts which attempt to address ongoing discrimination and hostility towards LGBTIQA+ people. Key findings included: 53% of LGBTIQA+ young people have witnessed discrimination and 40% have experienced discrimination, mostly through verbal vilification.
The experiences of being discriminated against is higher for LGBTIQA+ youth living in rural areas (44%) compared to those living in metro areas (35%). However, belonging is greater on average for LGBTIQA+ young people living in rural areas compared to metro areas.
Participation rates in sport for young people are complex. The engagement rate of LGBTIQA+ youth participating in at least one competitive or social sport (one or both) is 54.2%. Data indicate that there has been a drop o in sport participation in recent years and post COVID-19 pandemic; 47% of LGBTIQA+ youth were registered to a sports club in 2019, 2020, 2021, or 22, but currently only 37% play social sport and 33% play competitive sport. However, the rates of participation in competitive and/or social sport for ‘out’ respondents is comparatively lower (specifically, this group is comprised of 15% gay men, 15% lesbian women, 8% queer, and 9% bisexuals, and with the majority indicating a straight/heterosexual sexuality).
Young LGBTIQA+ people are engaging with gyms and leisure or fitness facilities at higher rates than with sport, highlighting the future challenges for the sport sector on losing a generation of young people who see gyms and leisure spaces as alternatives to sport participation.
When LGBTIQA+ young people do engage in sport and physical activity, their biggest motivations are for physical health and fitness (62%), fun and enjoyment (60%), and mental health (37%).
The biggest factors with potential to encourage participation for this group are friend referrals (57%), welcoming and affirming culture of LGBTIQA+ people (45%), and LGBTIQA+ specific come and try programs (42%).
Young LGBTIQA+ people have strong views towards pride eorts in sport. They emphasised the challenge of rainbow washing from sport organisations. Further, participants discussed the negative impacts on their mental health, including ongoing debates and discussions of LGBTIQA+ people’s lives through the medium of sport (including trans athletes and pride games).
Diversity in the Fitness Sector, opens in a new tab, Europe Active, (June 2024). This report aims to increase the focus on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in our sector. As our first report, it will guide future improvements. Amid the global health crisis, our industry's positive impact on preventing lifestyle diseases and promoting active lifestyles is vital. Data on discrimination based on gender, sexuality, race, culture, relgion, disability and age were collected, along with demographic information. Respondents were also asked about the individual and business impact of inequalities and the factors that contrbute to them. In total, 498 people responded to the survey. Of thosw who reported experiencing inequality based on their sexuality the most frequently reported impacts to the individual were poor self-esteem, poor mental health, and not feeling able to speak up. Business impacts were more sickness/absenses, lover satff motivation, and lower productivity. Lack of education and traiing on DEI for all staff was the most commonly cited factor that respondents believed contributed to inequalities and discrimination in the fitness industry. However, 70% had not been offered traning on DEI, and 31% said that even if it was offered they wouldn't take it, this may be because of previous negative experiences of such training, or feeling that it wouldn't be helpful, but around 11% also said they wouldn't use DEI resources if they were available.
Active Lives Adult Survey: November 2022-23 Reports, tables and technical documents, opens in a new tab, Sport England, (April 2024). The report and additional data tables present data from the Active Lives Adult Survey for the period mid-November 2022 to mid-November 2023. Data is presented for adults aged 16+ in England from November 2022 to November 2023. It includes some limited data on LGBTIQ+ participation. Gay men, lesbian women and bisexual adults were more likely to be active than heterosexual adults. Respondents who identified as transgender were less likely to be sufficiently active (i.e. more than 150 minutes a week, and around a third (33.8%) reported doing less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week. (includes sport and physical activity, no breakdown for sport participation is available).
Individuals who identified as transgender or other gender were less likely to feel that they had the ability to be physically active compared to males or females.
Males were much more likely to attend live sports events in the previous 12 months (31%), compared to females (14%), and other and transgender individuals (12%). Gay men were least likely to attend live sporting events (7%) compared to lesbian women (24%), heterosexual individuals (22%), bisexual (15%) and those who identified with other sexual orientations (12%).
PSI Practice Points: Data analysis from the PSI National Survey, Best practice for the inclusion of people of diverse genders and sexualities in Australian Sport, opens in a new tab, Pride in Sport, (2023). The annual Pride in Sport Equality Index (PSI) National Survey has been running for the past five years. Solid growth year on year has seen the survey go from 2 participating organisations/clubs and 14 responses in its first year to 27 and 1,043 responses in 2023. The PSI National Survey provides insight into the culture, beliefs, opinions, and differences between LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ respondents. All organisation who participated in the survey are working on LGBTQ inclusion. These results reflect the attitudes and knowledge of respondents who are in these organisations/clubs. These results likely differ from other surveys due to this positive focus on LGBTQ inclusion of these organisations/clubs. In 2023, 28.2% (n294) of respondents identify as being of diverse sexuality, diverse gender &/or trans experience or both (LGBTQ). 95.7% of respondents are identifying with binary identities (Man/Male or Woman/Female), and 3.8% with non-binary identities (‘non-binary’ or ‘a gender identity not listed’).
Overall LGBTQ respondents are more likely to be from capital cities, 88.1%, 10.5% in Regional city or towns, and 1.4% in rural areas. People of diverse gender are slightly less likely to be outside capital city areas 10.2% compared to those of diverse sexuality (11.7%).
68.7% agree an organisation's/club's positive track record in this aspect of inclusion would positively influence them to join the organisation/club (2022: 59.0%) an increase of 16.3%.
There was a decrease in the number of respondents who: believe they understand some of the unique challenges that people of diverse sexuality and/or gender face in the workplace/sports clubs (2023: 80.6% v 2022: 86.6%); believe that there are more than 2 genders (2023: 59.1% v 2022: 61.9%); and a slight decrease in belief that a person of diverse gender would be welcome in the team and treated no differently to anyone else (2023: 86.4% v 2022: 87.3%).
74.2% of respondents also agree that they believe training in this aspect of diversity & inclusion should be mandatory for anyone who manages or supervises other people. Respondents with direct reports agree to this slightly more than those who do not (75.3% v 73.4%).
For people of diverse gender or sexuality, their rates of health and wellbeing are coming in lower than those who are not diverse. LGBTQ respondents are: 8.9% less likely to agree to feeling productive, 7.4% less likely to feel a sense of belonging, 5% less likely to feel engaged with the organisation, 4.1% less likely to feel mentally well or that they can be themselves.
15.4% of respondents agreed that they had witnessed mild behaviours (e.g., negative commentary, jokes and/or innuendo) within their organisation. More serious bullying was witnessed by 4.1% of respondents. Of the respondents of diverse sexuality that responded to these questions (n190), 12.1% advised that they had been the target of mild behaviours and over half (54.5%) did not report these behaviours to anyone. 2.9% (n5) have experienced more serious bullying and harassment. Of these 1 reported to Sports Integrity Australia and 2 to their state governing body, while the remaining 2 did not report to anyone.
Almost 25% of LGBTQ respondents have agreed to editing conversations or hiding who they are within their organisation.
Visible active allies within organisations/clubs have many impacts on organisational culture, particularly for people of diverse sexuality and/gender. 68.2% of respondents agreed that active allies have positively impacted their sense of inclusion.
Writing Themselves in, 4, opens in a new tab, Hill AO, Lyons A, Jones J, et al., Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, (2021). This is the fourth national study on the sexual health and well-being of same sex attracted young people in Australia. The series was expanded to include a survey targeting trans and gender diverse young people. With a total of 6,418 participants, 'Writing Themselves In 4' represents the largest ever survey of LGBTQA+ young people in Australia and one of the largest in the world. The sample of 'Writing Themselves In 4' is also diverse in terms of the gender and sexuality of participants. While over half were cisgender women, nearly a quarter were cisgender men, and a similar proportion were trans or non-binary. Participants were asked which sports they had played in the past 12 months (multiple responses were permitted): 62.2% of respondents had participated in some sport. The most popular sports were swimming, dancing, netball, soccer, cycling, and basketball. Only 28.8% of those who played sports had disclosed to teammates.
Of those who had disclosed to their teammates, 69.8% (n = 139) attending university reported feeling supported about their sexuality or gender identity by their teammates, compared to 69.4% (n = 25) of those attending TAFE. This figure was lower among secondary students, with 61.2% (n = 316) reporting feeling supported by teammates.
Among participants who reported experiencing harassment or assault based on their sexuality or gender identity at sport in the past 12 months (n = 95), almost two-thirds (64.2%; n = 61) reported the perpetrator was a player/s from their team, one-half (51.6%; n = 49) player from another team, one fifth spectator/s (21.1%; n = 20), and 16.8% (n = 16) coach/es.
LGBT+ Inclusion in Football in Victoria, opens in a new tab, Proud2Play for Football Victoria and VicHealth, (March 2020). Previous research shows that sport is an environment where LGBT+ people typically do not feel safe to participate. Homophobia, transphobia and other discriminatory behaviours have been found to be commonplace across many sports. How LGBT+ inclusion (or these discriminatory behaviours) appear in the sport of football, particularly within community-level football, has previously been unknown. Key findings from this research include: Discrimination and prejudice towards LGBT+ people involved in football is common, and this has a negative impact on their experiences within sport and their continued involvement over the course of their lives. 75% of LGBT+ and 50% of heterosexual people have witnessed or experienced homophobia or discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity.
While 70% of people feel that transgender or gender diverse people would be welcome in their club, around half of all people held a neutral opinion or disagreed with transgender or gender diverse people playing based on their gender identity.
Homophobia manifests overtly through behaviours such as discriminatory language use, while transphobia manifests less visibly through attitudes.
Evaluating LGBTI+ Inclusion within Sport and the Pride Cup Initiative, opens in a new tab, Ruth Jeanes, Karen Lambert, Justen O' Connor, et al., Monash University for VicHealth, (2020). In July 2019, VicHealth commissioned research to measure the impact of the Pride Cup program and resources. The evaluation suggests that clubs involved experience a range of benefits and positive impacts from their participation and the Pride Cup offers an accessible and structured way for them to engage and consider LGBTI+ inclusion. The evaluation contributes to an understanding of what works in LGBTI+ inclusion approaches within sport and why, in relation to changing long outdated attitudes and behaviours. All interviewees were in agreement that the Pride Cup had assisted with raising the clubs’ profile within the local community and enhanced their clubs’ reputation as community minded and engaged with social justice issues. Interviewees also discussed how the Pride Cup had provided opportunities to make connections with a range of businesses and community partners. A number of clubs outlined how their involvement in the Pride Cup had helped them gain greater levels of sponsorship from community organisations and due to the higher spectator attendance at Pride Cup games, benefit financially from sales of food, drink etc. Clubs had engaged with LGBTI+ members where possible, or the LGBTI+ community more broadly to varying degrees.
Game to Play? Exploring the experiences and attitudes towards sport, exercise and physical activity amongst same sex attracted and gender diverse young people, opens in a new tab, Dr Ryan Storr, Kerry Robinson, Cristyn Davies, et al., Sexualities and Gender Research, Western Sydney University, (2020). Young SSAGD people in this research expressed a strong desire to participate in sport and physical exercise, and an awareness of the benefits, however most had experienced numerous forms of discrimination in sport and exercise, especially in PE at school. It is critical that steps are taken to address the violence and discrimination that SSAGD young people experience in sport and exercise environments, including tackling homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and heterosexism.
LGBTI+ Inclusion within Victorian Sport: A Market Analysis, opens in a new tab, Ruth Jeanes, Erik Denison, Nadia Bevan, et al., Monash University for VicHealth, (2020). In 2019, VicHealth commissioned researchers within the Faculty of Education at Monash University to conduct a market analysis examining the work that has been undertaken to date, and current activities in the state of Victoria, Australia, focused on promoting LGBTI+ engagement and participation in sport. This document provides an overview of the programs, interventions, reports and education undertaken in the sport and LGBTI+ inclusion space across the last 20 years. Furthermore, the report details some of the findings of key academic literature and evaluation reports examining the impact of LGBTI+ sporting initiatives delivered in Australia and overseas. In particular, it details contemporary knowledge regarding approaches to LGBTI+ inclusion and perceived impact of interventions. The report is structured to respond to several key questions: 1. What does current research tell us about the experiences of LGBTI+ people in sport? 2. What work has taken place within Victoria to support LGBTI+ inclusion and reduce discrimination? 3. Which organisations are operating in Victoria to promote LGBTI+ inclusion and how have these connected with sport? 4. What work are State Sporting Associations undertaking to support LGBTI+ Inclusion and what support would they like moving forward? 5. What recommendations have emerged from existing LGBTI+ in sport reports and evaluations? The report concludes by pointing towards potential areas for further investment to enhance LGBTI+ inclusion within sport.
Non-Binary People, Sport and Physical Activity, opens in a new tab, Pride in Sports for Sport England, (2020). The word non-binary describes a wide array of different identities which fall outside of the gender binary, and can be related to, or completely separate from male and female gender identities. Whilst non-binary is often described as part of the trans umbrella, not all nonbinary people identify as trans. It is estimated that around 0.4% of the UK’s population identify as non-binary, although it is thought that non-binary identities may be on the rise, particularly amongst young people. Research conducted by the National LGBT Partnership in 2016 found that people who identified as something other than male or female were some of the most inactive people amongst LGBT+ populations. Sport England commissioned Pride Sports to devise policy guidance for non-binary inclusion in grassroots sport and physical activity. The following report reflects data and commentary gathered through desk research, as well as input from focus groups and individual discussions with nonbinary people. Key challenges are faced by non-binary people in the following areas: Gendered Spaces; Gendered Activity; Representation and Visibility; and, Language These barriers are addressed within the report through recommendations themed accordingly, whilst examples of existing adaptations made within mainstream grassroots sport to accommodate nonbinary people are also highlighted. Consideration is also given within the report to the specific challenge of school sport and PE and to the performance pathway.
Pride in Our Workforce: Exploring the role of the workforce in LGBT+ participation in physical activity and sport, opens in a new tab, Bournemouth University for Energise Me and Sport England, (2020). Researchers from Bournemouth University concluded that the physical activity and sport workforce (LGBT+ and non-LGBT+) has untapped potential to play a more prominent role in providing opportunities for LGBT+ communities. They can help by Increasing LGBT+ representation within the workforce (in paid and unpaid roles); Being approachable, inclusive and understanding; Creating environments that feel safe and welcoming for LGBT+ communities; Actively promoting activities for and/or to LGBT+ communities. Some key findings included: For LGBT+ respondents, it is less important that workforce members are qualified or experienced than it is that they are approachable, inclusive and understanding.
Participants clearly articulate that marketing and promotions are crucial in order to ‘speak to’ LGBT+ communities in a manner that advocates inclusion. Ideas included symbols of inclusion, diverse imagery, and the creation/promotion of LGBT+ specific sessions.
Participants’ comments repeatedly cited changing facilities as sites of fear, lack of safety, and insecurity for LGBT+ communities. This is especially true for non-binary and transgender participants, for whom traditional male/female changing spaces present challenging environments.
Participants discussed how disabilities or other characteristics coincided with their gender or sexual identity to create multiple effects, making physical activity and sport environments less inclusive or accessible. Understanding the person is a key agenda for future practice.
The need for training and knowledge emerged strongly in participant comments about how the workforce could be improved.
Challenging discrimination is a key way for the physical activity and sport workforce to increase perceptions of safety and inclusion for the LGBT+ community.
The workforce requires role models, from elite through to grassroots physical activity and sport. Participants wanted to see more openly LGBT+ leaders at elite and grassroots levels - be it high-profile athletes and pundits (e.g. Gareth Thomas or Claire Balding) or LGBT+ individuals in the physical activity and sport workforce.
Research Matters: How many people are LGBTIQ?, opens in a new tab Marina Carman, Claire Farrugia, Adam Bourne, et al., Rainbow Health Victoria, (2020). Accurately estimating the number of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse and intersex (LGBTIQ*) in Australia is a critical gap in research. The lack of current population-level data limits understanding of health and wellbeing needs of LGBTIQ people, and the development of policy and programs for LGBTIQ communities.
Inclusive Sport Practices, opens in a new tab, Murray Drummond, Sam Elliott, Claire Drummond, et al., Flinders University, Sport, Health, Activity, Performance and Exercise (SHAPE) Research Centre for Inclusive Sport South Australia (SA) and the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, (May 2019). This is the first South Australian report to identify barriers and enablers in sport for the LGBTIQ+ community. The findings and recommendations will help to advance a holistic approach for reducing homophobia and ‘homohysteria’ within sporting environments. Furthermore, the report provides contextually-informed evidence for creating, maintaining and enhancing inclusive sport environments for LGBTIQ+ participants and allies based on extensive research. The LGBTIQ+ participants reported experiencing a higher degree of challenges in sport in relation to their gender identification and sexual identity. More participants in the LGBTIQ+ community (39.7%) compared with heterosexual participants (15.7%) reported that they have felt unsafe or vulnerable in a sporting environment as a result of their gender identification or sexuality.
Of those within the LGBTIQ+ community, 79.7% had experienced (or witnessed) sexism in sport compared with 65.3% of the 20 heterosexual participants. The majority of both LGBTIQ+ and heterosexual participants had experienced (or witnessed) verbal homophobia in sport (63.7% and 59.2% respectively). Only 5% (n = 4) of LGBTIQ+ and 2% (n = 1) of heterosexual participants had experienced (or witnessed) physical homophobic assault in sport.
A key component to inclusive policy and practice within sporting clubs and organisations is education. Education from the “top down” was regarded as the most resourceful approach. Further, having a “champion of change” embedded within the club meant there is a greater chance of systemic cultural change.
Endorsement and action through policy making is imperative at the President / board / committee level. They must provide a clear message with respect to what the club stands for.
Supporters of the team play a significant role in the culture of the club but 5 supporter-based education can really only emerge from the way in which the entire organisation presents a consistent message around inclusivity at the expense of everything else. Changing a culture of a club takes time and the supporters need to be aware of the path in which the club is heading.
It is imperative that all coaches are educated and aware of the needs of LGBTIQ+ individuals who may enter the club and seek to participate.
The relevance of sexual orientation and gender identity in sport in Europe. Findings from the Outsport survey, opens in a new tab, Menzel, T., Braumüller, B., Hartmann-Tews, I. German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Sociology and Gender Studies, (2019). The experiences of LGBTI* people in sport are very diverse, possibly as diverse as the field of sport itself with its manifold forms, settings and contexts. This is demonstrated by the experiences of the (approx.) 5,500 LGBTI* people who participated in the OUTSPORT Survey 2018. The following findings illustrate that the vast majority of respondents perceive homo-/transphobia to be a problem in sport and transphobia is perceived to be an especially prominent problem in sport. Some other key findings included: 7 out of 10 respondents suppose the coming out of famous sports stars and high profile and antihomophobia/ transphobia campaigns to be helpful to tackle homo-/transphobic discrimination.
82% have witnessed homo-/ transphobic language in sport in the last 12 months.
33% remain completely closeted in their sports context.
20% refrain from participating in a sport of interest due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
16% report at least one negative personal experience in a sports context related to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Of those with negative experiences: 82% Verbal insults, slurs 75% structural discrimination 36% physically crossing the line 20% physical violence.
Most common perpetrators: 53% other sport participants 49% team members.
5% of (previously active) respondents quit their sports participation because they have had negative personal experiences due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
53% do not react to incidents of homo-/ transphobic discrimination.
8% officially report those incidents.
38% do not know an organisation or individual to contact in instances of being discriminated against in a sports context.
Review of LGBT+ Sport and Physical Activity Infrastructure, opens in a new tab, Scott Lawley, Sara Smith, Nottingham Trent University for Pride Sports and Sport England, (December 2018). The report draws upon desk research across the range of LGBT+ sports provision in England, and further in-depth research with 40 sports and physical activity providers, both of which took place in June 2017. Key findings included: Commercial and mainstream providers do not keep data and have little insight relating to the numbers of their LGBT+ participants. Furthermore, they demonstrated little insight into the specific barriers to participation that members of their LGBT+ membership might face.
There is a marked geographical gap in provision, with LGBT+ sports provision found predominantly in urban rather than rural areas.
Just under half of LGBT+ sports groups are aimed at one specific identity within the LGBT+ spectrum, whilst over half state that they are ‘open to all’ LGBT+ participants. However, when considering the entirety of LGBT+ sport provision overall, there are gaps in provision relating to gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, namely: * There is evidence of provision for men and women across LGBT+ sports groups, however most groups have a majority male membership. The only groups observed with a majority female membership were those with a specific female focus. * There is very little data on bisexual participation in LGBT+ sports groups and no provision specifically for bisexual participants. * Trans provision is not well integrated into LGBT+ sports groups, and tends to be in groups with a specific trans focus.
LGBT+ sports groups face many challenges to their successful operation which relate to governance structures and to resources such as time, finance, facilities and volunteers. Many groups struggle with capacity whilst at the same time facing demands in terms of safeguarding and widening participation which are arguably greater than those faced by mainstream clubs.
There is a ‘culture of gender-binarism’ in mainstream sports provision, including educational settings. This is evidenced in the gender-segregated layout of sports facilities, in rules and regulations which govern participation based on gender, and in hostile cultures and attitudes, all of which serve to exclude trans and gender non-binary participants.
Due to the levels of exclusion from mainstream sports, trans and gender non-binary participants at both adult and youth levels are generally inactive when first accessing trans-specific sports provision.
Providers of trans-specific sports sessions face similar practical challenges of cost, resources and capacity to wider LGBT+ providers. However, the gender-binarism of mainstream sport, negative attitudes encountered in mainstream sports spaces and a lack of support and wider education creates further challenges which must be faced in all spaces where trans-specific sport takes place in order to make them safe for their participants.
Exploring Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Inclusion in Australian Cricket, opens in a new tab, Ryan Storr, Grant O’Sullivan, Caroline Symons, et al., Victoria University prepared for Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria, (August 2017). Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria commissioned the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL) at Victoria University to examine the current climate, attitudes and initiatives towards LGBT inclusion within Australian cricket. In order to address these aims, the authors conducted a mixed methods study combining an online survey and in-depth interviews. A total of 338 respondents completed the survey, comprising cricket employees, players, coaches, administrators and volunteers. In addition, 17 in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants from the Victorian and Australian cricket communities. The findings demonstrate both challenges and opportunities with regard to LGBT inclusion in Australian cricket. The survey data show the prevalence of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, and how homophobia also impacts heterosexual participants. Key findings from the survey include: Three-quarters of non-LGBT and well over three-quarters of LGBT respondents believe that cricket should do more to be inclusive of LGBT people.
Almost half of non-LGBT and almost three-quarters of LGBT respondents have witnessed homophobia in cricket at some time or another.
Over 90 percent of both LGBT and non-LGBT respondents think LGBT people are accepted to some degree in various roles in cricket. Non-LGBT respondents reported staff as the most completely accepted role, while LGBT respondents selected players. The role least selected as completely accepted was the coach by both LGBT and non-LGBT respondents.
Respondents think cricket clubs are more welcoming of lesbian/bisexual women than of gay/bisexual men and transgender/gender diverse people.
Respondents believe LGBT people are more completely accepted as volunteers and players and less so in leadership or coaching roles in cricket clubs.
The majority of respondents are unaware of policies for either sexual orientation or gender identify. Respondents are more aware of policies at higher levels of competition than lower level and that people were the least aware of club policies.
The majority of respondents are unaware of LGBT inclusion policies at any level of competition. At most levels, respondents are most aware of inclusion policies for LGB people and least for same-sex parents, except for the club level where more are aware of policies of inclusion for same-sex parents.
Sport, Physical Activity and LGBT, opens in a new tab, Louise Englefield, Di Cunningham, Ali Mahoney, Pride in Sports for Sport England, (2016). In January 2016 Pride Sports was commissioned by Sport England to undertake a 10-week study examining the participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in sport. The focus of the study was to review the existing research and reports into issues affecting LGBT participation in sport and physical activity and to evidence the impact of projects that are successfully addressing issues and delivering increased opportunities in sport. The study gave particular consideration to how provision, which has successfully engaged LGBT people, is also working to reduce physical inactivity and to engage those not previously participating in sport. This report summarises the work undertaken and makes recommendations to Sport England.
Out on the Fields: The first international study on homophobia in sport, opens in a new tab, Denison E, Moseley L and Kitchen A, Repucom, (10 May 2015). This study provides insight into the experiences of LGB athletes, but it also looks at the experiences of LGB people generally, their experiences as participants and as spectators. The study takes a particular focus on issues of sexuality, rather than gender, which is why the report uses the term LGB, rather than the now standard LGBTI. The study goes beyond capturing the experiences and views of LGB people, as it also includes the experiences and perspectives of nearly 2500 heterosexual participants who make up about 25% of the sample. By including people with a wide range of sexualities, this study provides an opportunity to compare attitudes between these sexualities. The survey included six main countries (USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Ireland) and a collective sample from several other countries. The Australian portion of the survey included 3006 participants. Key findings include: 54% of gay men felt unwelcome in sport, saying they are ‘not at all accepted’ or ‘accepted a little’; 36% of lesbians felt the same way.
27% of gay men said they did not participate in youth team sports.
84% of all survey respondents said homophobic jokes occur ‘all the time, often, or sometimes’ in a sporting environment.
62% of all survey respondents, and 73% of gay respondents, believed homophobia is more common in team sports than in other environments.
81% of gay men and 74% of lesbian women under the age of 22 had reported concealing, or only partially revealing, their sexual identity while playing sport. Approximately half of gays and a third of lesbians said they hid their sexuality because they were worried about being rejected by teammates; 31% of gays and 15% of lesbians were also worried about discrimination from coaches and officials.
80% of all respondents said they have witnessed or experienced homophobia in sport. Young LGB persons (under the age of 22) were more likely to report personal experiences of homophobia.
Language was the most common form witnessed by all participants, 80% of straight people who have witnessed homophobia have witnessed slurs such as ‘faggot’ and ‘dyke’
While it is important to understand which kinds of homophobia and discrimination people personally experienced, participants, particularly straight people, were more likely to have witnessed others being targeted. One in four (26%) LGB people have witnessed others being bullied over a period of time
Gay and bisexual men were more likely to be physically assaulted themselves than witness others being attacked, however, nearly 15% said they saw others being assaulted due to their sexuality
Summary for Australia on Homophobia in Sport, opens in a new tab, Out on the Fields, (2015). Out on the Fields is the first international study and largest conducted on homophobia in sport. Nearly 9500 people took part including 3006 lesbian, gay, bisexual and straight Australians. Australia ranked in the middle on many measures, though quite poorly on some key measures such as whether gay athletes feel they are welcome in sport and feel safe to be open about their sexuality. Australia had the highest number of gay men (13%) who felt they were “not accepted at all” in sporting culture which was nearly three times as high as Canada (5%). Australia also had the second highest number (87%) of young gay athletes who remain in the closet (after New Zealand) and the highest number of gay youth who stay in the closet because of a fear of bullying (55%) and discrimination from coaches and officials (37%). Spectator stands were a major concern to Australians, with nearly half of all participants saying this is where homophobia in sport is most likely to occur. This was the second highest number after the UK (49%). The vast majority of Australian (75%) participants also felt LGB people are not very safe as spectators at sporting events, though they were less likely to believe this than those in the UK (85%).
Inclusive Sport Survey: The Sport Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex People in the Australian Capital Territory, opens in a new tab, Australian Capital Territory Government, Sport and Recreation Services (April 2014). This survey looked at attitudes and behaviours among the ACT’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community groups and territory sporting associations. The main themes to emerge from participants’ best sporting experiences include a feeling of achievement, being part of a team or community, being accepted and welcomed, experiencing health benefits, having the opportunity to travel and broaden life experiences, having fun and friendship, gaining confidence and providing a positive contribution. Most people responding to the survey were ‘not out’ regarding their sexuality and/or being transgender. Key findings were that about 41% of respondents have felt unsafe in a sporting environment; 34% had experienced sexism in sport with women experiencing the most sexism, followed by transgender people and men; 32% had experienced verbal homophobia or bullying in a sporting environment, but only 3.6% had experienced homophobic assault.
“The Equal Play Study”: The Impact of Homophobic Bullying during Sport and Physical Education Participation on Same-Sex Attracted and Gender-Diverse Young Australians’ Depression and Anxiety Levels, opens in a new tab, Caroline Symons, Grant O’Sullivan, Erika Borkoles, et al., Victoria University for the beyondblue Victorian Centre of Excellence, (March 2014). Same-sex attracted and gender diverse (SSAGD) youth who may or may not be open about their sexuality or gender identity, have reported significantly higher mental health and wellbeing concerns than heterosexual youth. Despite many SSAGD youth thriving in sport and physical education (PE) settings, homophobia and transphobia communicates to them that ‘they are not welcome here, which can prevent them from enjoying the many physical, mental and social health benefits of participation and to maintain lifelong participation. PE class was a particular concern for SSAGD youth, where verbal and physical abuse was reported more often than in other sport settings. Policy and curriculum writers, PE teachers and those who train PE teachers are well placed to provide a more inclusive educational environment for SSAGD youth. Casual homophobic language, such as ‘that’s so gay’ where the intention of the word ‘gay’ is not specifically a gay slur, was frequently reported in these settings, especially in PE. Many young SSAGD people found it distressing. Challenging such homophobic language is important for improving the sport and PE experiences of SSAGD youth and helps them to be accepted by their peers. The gendered nature of sport and PE provides challenges for gender diverse young people, and more focus should be placed on understanding their needs and on ways to encourage safer and more welcoming participation for this group
Growing up queer: issues facing young Australians who are gender variant and sexuality diverse, opens in a new tab, Robinson K, Bansel P, Denson N, et al., Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre, (February 2014). Growing up queer investigates the issues facing young Australians who are gender variant and sexuality diverse. More than 1000 young Australians aged between 16–27 years participated in a research study, with almost two-thirds reporting homophobic or transphobic harassment or violence across different aspects of their lives. From the information acquired, the researchers hope to develop innovative, relevant and engaging educational resources that would contribute to increasing professional and community awareness of their experiences and needs. In the national online survey, at least two out of five acknowledged thinking about self-harm (41%) and/or suicide (42%). In addition, 33% of queer young people who participated in our survey have harmed themselves in the past, and 16% have attempted to take their own lives.
When asked how safe they feel in different places, the majority of young people feel ‘very safe’ or ‘safe’ at home (75.8%), on the internet (69.1%), at social occasions (59.8%), at work (55.6%) and university (52.9%). Less than half feel ‘very safe’ or ‘safe’ at school (46.6%), on the street (41.1%), and at sporting events (35.5%). The total number of respondents ranged from 651 to 1022. The total number of respondents ranged from 651 to 1022.
Gender Diversity in the ACT: a survey of trans experiences, opens in a new tab, David F, Hyndal L, Hyndal P, et al., A Gender Agenda and Pink Tennis, (2011). This report provides the results of a community-based survey of sex and gender diverse (SGD) members of the Canberra community and the issues they face. The vast majority of respondents felt that an integral part of their gender identity included a ‘trans’ notion of having ‘crossed over’ or existing ‘in between’ or ‘outside’ the binary notion of either male or female. Only a small number of respondents self-identified solely as either male or female. On the issue of social interactions, the majority (77% of survey respondents) indicated that they had no social interactions with teammates in sporting or other social activities. This indicates a significantly lower level of social engagement than that enjoyed by the general population.
Come out to play: the Sports experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people in Victoria, opens in a new tab, Symons C, Sbaraglia M, Hillier L, et al., Victoria University, (2010). This report is based on a survey of over 300 persons who identified themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transsexual (LGBT). It is the first comprehensive survey of the LGBT sport experience in Australia and provides rich insight through closed and open-ended responses into the sporting lives, passions, rewards, and challenges of these sports participants, supporters, volunteers, and workers. Insights gained from the analysis of data include the following: Sport participation and physical education at school – Participants were asked to retrospectively explain their experiences of sport and physical education while at school. There was a marked gender difference in the quality of their experiences, with more men than women reporting negative experiences from discrimination and homophobia. Although sexism in sport is commonly associated with damaging outcomes to women, the women participating in this study had more success in sport than the men, and this was a critical factor in shaping attitudes.
Sport participation – Participants were involved in a variety of sports and physical activities; only small numbers had no involvement in sport. Involvement in team sports was more likely for women (63.3%) than men (44.7%). Participants had a high involvement in club sports (84%), but only about a third (33.5%) were identified within the club as LGBT; 46% kept their sexual identity a secret, and 20.5% were known to some (but not all) members of the club. Sixteen percent of the survey participants indicated they belonged to clubs that identified with gay or lesbian members. Women in this survey were discouraged from playing team sports by being called lesbians, insulted, and told they could not play. This had the effect of removing the lesbians and therefore maintaining a heterosexual team. Where women played traditionally ‘masculine’ team sports (such as rugby), whole teams of players were perceived as lesbian and were often subjected to verbal abuse regardless of the individual participants’ sexual identity.
Men had their gender and heterosexuality called into question when they played badly or in an attempt to spur them on to a better performance. This produced feelings such as shame and hurt and was often the reason for dropping out of team sports. Gay men were significantly less likely to play team sport than lesbian women (45% versus 62% respectively) because the abuse among men could be serious (i.e. physical abuse as well as verbal abuse).
Gender perceptions in sport – Gender and sexuality are very strong organising features in society, but deviation from the norm (i.e. heterosexuality) is generally discouraged in sport, particularly in team sports.
Sporting cultures – Participants in this study who did not disclose their sexuality described the sporting environment as being unsafe, unpredictable, isolating, and intimidating. More male participants than females said they kept their sexuality secret (i.e. ‘in the closet’) especially within team sports.
Trans women’s experiences participating in sport, opens in a new tab, Lauryn Stewart, Paul O’Halloran, Jennifer Oates, Sport in Society, (5 August 2025). The 20 Australian transwomen who participated in this study provided the researchers with rich data indicating that sport can play an important role in the lives of many trans women, offering opportunities for improved physical health, reduced social isolation, and personal identity expression. However, participation in sport can also present significant challenges, including experiences of feeling unsafe and a lack of inclusivity. Given the potential impacts on mental health and the barriers to engagement, there is a pressing need for sporting bodies to implement more inclusive strategies, such as clear participation guidelines, trans-friendly spaces, and supportive team environments, to create equitable opportunities for all individuals.
Participation, barriers, facilitators and bullying experiences of trans people in sport and fitness: findings from a national community survey of trans people in Australia, opens in a new tab, Sasha Bailey, Benjamin Trevitt, Sav Zwickl, et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, (28 October 2024). A cross-sectional online survey open to trans people aged ≥16 years living in Australia was conducted between February and April 2023 and it assessed rates of sport/fitness participation, barriers to participation and bullying experiences through multiple-choice questions. Mental health measures comprised the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and self-reported history of self-harm and suicidality. Of 664 respondents (median age 32 years), around one-third (32.8%) regularly participated in sport/fitness. Common internal barriers to participation included anxiety about others’ reactions (63.9%), body dissatisfaction/dysphoria (56.5%) and fears about feeling accepted/affirmed by others (54.7%). Respondents commonly reported experiencing inadequate bathroom/changing facilities (44.4%), exclusionary rules and regulations surrounding gender (36.7%), and invasive or uncomfortable policies or procedures (23.3%). Over one-third (34.4%) of trans people had experienced gender-based bullying or exclusion. Regular sport/fitness participation was associated with significantly lower K10 scores and a 40% reduction in odds of recent thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
A mixed-methods study for understanding the motives of trans persons’ participation in leisure-time physical activity and sport, opens in a new tab, Elena López-Cañada,Sofía Pereira-García,Víctor Pérez-Samaniego, et al., Leisure Studies, (24 July 2024). The primary objective of this mixed-methods study was to identify and comprehensively understand the motives that drive trans people to engage in leisure-time physical activities and sports (LTPAS). In the quantitative phase, face-to-face surveys were administered to 155 Spanish trans persons [64 women (TW), 84 men (TM), and 7 non-conforming binary gender participants (NBG)]. The qualitative phase included 43 semi-structured interviews (21 TW, 17 TM, and 5 NBG). The fieldwork was carried out between 2012 and 2015. The most prominent motive was ‘to do physical exercise’ while the least important was ‘to enjoy competing’. TM and NBG persons expressed higher levels than TW in motives such as ‘to reaffirm my gender identity’, ‘to do physical exercise’, ‘to enjoy doing sport’, and ‘to increase my musculature’. Additional extrinsic (‘appearance and body image’) and intrinsic motives (‘pleasure of body exertion’) were identified in the qualitative phase. Extrinsic and the relationship between intrinsic-extrinsic motives highlight the importance of gender reaffirming embodiment among the participants. These findings have the potential to raise awareness and sensitise professionals, policymakers, and society at large to promote greater involvement and more fulfilling experiences for trans persons in LTPAS.
Drafting behind LGB: Transgender athletes in the sport of cycling, opens in a new tab, Jack Hardwicke, Charlie J Roberts, Eric Anderson, et al., International Review for the Sociology of Sport, Volume 59(1), pp.58-81, (February 2024). Using data from an online survey of 211 heterosexual and 148 sexual and gender minority-identifying cyclists, this article examines the attitudes of both sexual and gender majorities towards sexual and gender minorities as well as the experiences of sexual and gender minorities in relation to each other, within the sport of cycling. The results show a culture of acceptance for LGB athletes with heightened antipathy towards transgender cyclists. However, this variance is not as large as might be expected given the media attention on transgender athletes in cycling, and sport more broadly. It therefore appears that the transgender social movement is drafting closely behind LGB inclusion within this sport.
“It Doesn’t Matter How You Identify, You Can Still Skate With Us”: Gender Inclusivity in Women's Flat Track Roller Derby, opens in a new tab, Hannah Kettley-Linsell, Janine Coates, Gemma Witcomb, Journal of Sport and Social Issues, Volume 47(5), (2024). Women's flat track roller derby is a grassroots full-contact sport underpinned by an explicit gender policy stating that any self-identifying woman can play, including those who are transgender and gender diverse (TGD). Adopting a queer-feminist lens, this research examined attitudes toward and experiences of gender inclusivity in the sport from the perspective of cis and TGD athletes in the United Kingdom. Reflexive thematic analysis, drawing on survey (n = 153) and interview (n = 20) data, examined how roller derby offers a space accepting of different identities; its underpinning principles surrounding body positivity and how it is perceived a social movement, involving a community of individuals sharing values of equality, diversity and inclusion. This research shows that an inclusive rhetoric surrounding gender not only engages TGD individuals in sport but offers a space for marginalised and alternative identities to participate together.
Barriers to Participation in Organized Physical Activity Among LGBTQ+ Youth: Differences by Sexual, Gender, and Racial Identities, opens in a new tab, Benjamin Parchem, Jonathan Poquiz, Ryan L. Rahm-Knigge, et al., Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Volume 21(7), pp.698-706, (2024). LGBTQ+ youth engage in organized physical activity to a lesser degree than their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. Existing literature on this organized physical activity disparity is limited, particularly with LGBTQ+ youth samples. The current analysis examined individual and systemic barriers to organized physical activity for LGBTQ+ youth across sexual, gender, and racial identities. A subsample of LGBTQ+ students (N = 4566) from the 2021 Dane County Youth Assessment completed items that measured barriers to organized physical activity and systemic factors (ie, family money problems and bias-based bullying) associated with access to organized physical activity. More than half of the sample did not participate in organized physical activity. Four profiles of LGBTQ+ youth were discerned based on self-reported barriers: high barrier (8%), bullied (16%), low interest or perceived skills (28%), and low barrier (48%). The low-barrier class included a greater proportion of LGBTQ+ youth who identified as White, or cisgender, or heterosexual as well as youth self-reporting higher organized physical activity. The high-barrier and bullied classes comprised more marginalized gender and sexual identities. LGBTQ+ youth experience individual and systemic barriers to organized physical activity, including inequitable access and bullying, and barriers are uniquely experienced across sexual, gender, and racial identities.
Experiences of belonging and exclusion in sport and physical activity for individuals of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in rural Australia, opens in a new tab, Oli Sophie Meredith, Chelsea Litchfield, Rylee A. Dionigi, et al., Sport in Society, Volume 27(7), pp.1022-1036, (2024). This qualitative study examined the sporting experiences of individuals of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in rural and remote areas of Australia - contexts where marginalised groups can feel excluded based on gender or sexuality, and where physical activity options may be limited. Twelve participants (aged 29-73 years) identifying as female or gender fluid, and as queer, bisexual, gay, lesbian or pansexual, completed an online, qualitative survey. Thematic analysis and an integrative theory of belonging were used to interpret the experiences and feelings of belonging, exclusion and resistance to heteronormativity found in the data. The development of viable opportunities for sport participation and physical activities that foster a sense of belonging and health in rural or remote Australian communities requires strategies based on a deep understanding of the needs and identities of individuals of diverse SOGI, as well as the cultural and social contexts in which people live.
"I Get Treated Poorly in Regular School-Why Add To It?": Transgender Girls' Experiences Choosing to Play or Not Play Sports, opens in a new tab, DeChants, JP, Green, AE, Price MN, et al., Transgender Health, Volume 9(1), pp.61-67, (2024). Among respondents' answers about why they participate in sports, six codes were identified: physical health benefits, mental health benefits, fun, social connections, family expectations, and gender affirmation. Among respondents' answers about why they do not participate in sports, eight codes were identified: not interested in sports, gendered teams or spaces, not athletic, physical or mental health limitations, social discomfort around peer athletes, worsened gender dysphoria, bullying or harassment, and lack of resources or access. These codes were not mutually exclusive and many responses were tagged with multiple codes.
Young people’s experiences of physical activity insecurity: a qualitative study highlighting intersectional disadvantage in the UK, opens in a new tab. Caroline Dodd-Reynolds, Naomi Griffin, Phillippa Kyle, et al., BMC Public Health, Volume 24, Article 813, (2024). Fifty five young people aged 12–21 years of different sexualities, gender and ethnicity took part. Analysis yielded four themes: PA experiences across spaces; resigned to a lack of inclusivity and ‘belonging’; safety first; complexities in access and accessibility. Young people felt more comfortable to be active in spaces that were simpler to navigate, particularly outdoor locations largely based in nature. In contrast, local gyms and sports clubs, and the school environment in general, were spoken about often in negative terms and as spaces where they experienced insecurity, unsafety or discomfort. It was common for these young people to feel excluded from PA, often linked to their gender and sexuality. Lived experiences or fears of being bullied and harassed in many activity spaces was a powerful message, but in contrast, young people perceived their local youth club as a safe space. Intersecting barriers related to deprivation, gender and sexuality, accessibility, disability, Covid-19, affordability, ethnicity, and proximity of social networks. A need emerged for safe spaces in which young people can come together, within the local community and choose to be active.
‘Yeah I’m gay, but I’m strong.’ Physicality, physicalness, and sport persistence among sexual minority college students, opens in a new tab. Casper H. Voyles, Jay Orne, Randall L. Sell, Journal of LGBT Youth, (12 August 2023). Disparities in sexual minority (SM) sports participation have become better established in recent years, yet factors contributing to sport persistence among those who are involved in sport remain relatively unexplored. Using data from 23 qualitative interviews with SM college students who were high school athletes, we examined factors that influence sport persistence among this group. Our analyses revealed that physical aspects of sports participation - the embodied sense of movement and/or the physical contact with other athletes - influences sports persistence in different ways for sexual minority (SM) athletes of various genders. SM men frequently discussed participating in sports for external reasons that related to their perceptions about their own bodies’ attractiveness. For SM women and non-binary individuals, however, the internal physical sensations derived from sports were empowering and facilitated sport persistence. However, for participants of all genders, the sexualization of their queer selves by others within their sports context affects their safety, performance, and presence depending upon the physicalness of the game. We argue that making queerness more visible in sports may alleviate the burden faced by SM athletes who are isolated as the only queer person on their teams and allows for a positive physical experience.
A narrative inquiry into the physical education and youth sport experiences of gay male rugby players: a Bourdieuian perspective, opens in a new tab, H. Townshend, J. MacLean, Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, (19 April 2023). This paper seeks to make a meaningful contribution to addressing a gap in current research by exploring specifically the lives of gay men who have continued to engage in physical activity (PA) in later life. By exploring these individuals’ PE and YS experiences, greater detail can be identified to how inhibiting factors were mitigated and facilitating factors were exploited in leading to their successful current participation. Three gay males’ experiences are explored through a narrative approach that provided a voice to, and challenged, the cultural story of this often-marginalised community. Within their stories, notions of heteronormativity, hypermasculinities and low perceived physical competence were identified as inhibiting factors, while increased opportunities, representation and education were recognised to facilitate their return to rugby and potentially enhance future youth PE and YS experiences.
‘Close, but not always close enough to come out to': a large-scale online qualitative study of interpersonal relationships experienced by LGBTQ + individuals in sport, opens in a new tab, Shannon Herrick, Alexandra Moisan, Lindsay Duncan, Sport, Education and Society, (16 February 2023). Despite concerted efforts, LGBTQ + inclusivity is not fostered across all sporting contexts. Interpersonal relationships with teammates and coaches are particularly significant when it comes to cultivating positive and inclusive LGBTQ + experiences within sport. Using online qualitative data collected from 741 LGBTQ + adults, this study examined how relationships with coaches, teammates and sport-related staff impacted sport experiences and participation. Participant responses were independently coded using reflexive thematic analysis. Data were used to develop a new visual model to understand different types of relationships LGBTQ + individuals experience in sport and how this impacted their sport experiences. Exclusive sport relationships were characterised by experiences of discrimination and were found to greatly influence how participants viewed sport and physical activity contexts as adults. Inert or neutral sport relationships were maintained through protective self-distancing techniques. Inclusive relationships with coaches and teammates were primarily based on acceptance and associated with viewing physical activity positively. Identity-concealment strategies and athletic ability were identified as factors that impacted LGBTQ + adults’ relationships within sport. Our overall findings demonstrate how discrimination in the form of overt or subtle sexual and gender prejudice can thwart feelings of relatedness among LGBTQ + athletes.
Improving inclusion and well-being of trans and gender nonconforming collegiate student–athletes: foundational concepts from the National Collegiate Athletic Association Summit on Gender Identity and Student–Athlete Participation, opens in a new tab, Kroshus E, Ackerman KE, Brown M, et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 57(10), pp.564-570, (2023). The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Summit on Gender Identity and Student–Athlete Participation was convened to identify institutional/athletic department strategies that may support the well-being of trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) collegiate student–athletes in the USA. The Summit’s purview did not include policy-level changes to eligibility rules. A modified Delphi consensus process was used to identify strategies for supporting collegiate TGNC student–athlete well-being. Key steps included an exploration phase (learning, generating ideas), and an evaluation phase (rating ideas in terms of their utility and feasibility). Summit participants (n=60) included individuals meeting at least one of the following criteria: current or former TGNC athlete, academic or healthcare professional with topical expertise, collegiate athletics stakeholder who would be involved in implementing potential strategies, representative from leading sports medicine organisation, or representative from relevant NCAA membership committee. Summit participants identified strategies in the following domains: healthcare practices (patient-centred care and culturally sensitive care); education for all stakeholders involved in athletics; and administration (inclusive language, quality improvement processes). Summit participants also proposed ways that the NCAA, through its existing committee and governance structures, could help support the well-being of TGNC athletes. NCAA-focused concepts were in the following domains: policy making processes; eligibility and transfer processes; resource development and dissemination; and visibility and support for TGNC athletes. The strategies developed represent important and relevant approaches that member institutions, athletic departments, NCAA committees, governance bodies and other stakeholders might consider in their efforts to support TGNC student–athlete well-being.
Physical education from LGBTQ+ students’ perspective. A systematic review of qualitative studies, opens in a new tab, Johannes Müller, Nicola Böhlke, Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, Volume 28(6), pp.601-616, (2023). Firstly, our study aims to identify qualitative studies published on PE from an LGBTQ+ students’ perspective through systemic literature search. A total of ten studies were identified that met our inclusion criteria. The total sample of our review comprises 227 persons from six different countries. Our analysis shows that PE is partly structured in a heteronormative fashion in all countries where studies were conducted and thus, the subject proves to be a negatively shaped space of experience for many LGBTQ+ students. The comparative analysis of the studies reveals that the partly heteronormative organization of PE and the built environment turn out to be neuralgic points, that particularly cause subjective problems and challenges for trans and intersex students. Furthermore, our analysis demonstrates that language and interactions between classmates are the main drivers of discrimination. Thereby, gay male and trans students within the LGBTQ+ group seem to be in particular exposed to verbal and physical harassment by fellow students, which can be understood as acts of homophobia and heterosexism. Overall, the studies barely mention any negative PE experiences of lesbian students and positive experiences of LGBTQ+ students in PE are only reported in few investigations.
Examining Pride Cups as a health promotion resource to address homophobia in Australian men’s sport, opens in a new tab, Justen O’Connor, Ruth Jeanes, Erik Denison, et al., Health Promotion International, Volume 37(5), (October 2022). Effective interventions are needed to stop homophobic behaviours in sport settings as these behaviours are associated with negative health and social outcomes for individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or other diverse genders and sexualities. This study explored the value of an intervention developed by Pride Cup Australia, widely adopted by Australian community sport clubs. The charity provides education and helps clubs host a rainbow-themed ‘pride game’. The study compared the homophobic language used by male participants at six clubs that had implemented a Pride Cup, with participants at six clubs which had not. Homophobic attitudes and confidence to react negatively to homophobia were also compared. Participants at clubs that adopted the intervention used less homophobic language in the previous 2 weeks than at the comparison clubs (11% vs. 31.8%) and were half as likely to report their teammates had used this language (25.9% vs. 56.6%). It is unclear if differences were caused by the Pride Cup intervention or some other factor (i.e. teams that agreed to host Pride Cup were already more supportive of LGBTQ+). Given grassroots support for this potentially promising intervention, larger scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.
‘The tennis club is my safe space’: assessing the positive impact of playing tennis on LGBT+ people in Australia, opens in a new tab, R. Storr, J. Richards, Sport, Education and Society, (28 January 2022). This article reports on a national study commissioned by Tennis Australia to assess the positive role that sport, specifically tennis, has on the lives of LGBT+ people in Australia. It explores specifically the role of tennis in building social solidarity and community capital through leisurely and organised sporting activities. To gain comprehensive insights into the perceptions and lived experiences of LGBT+ tennis players, we employed a qualitative research design drawing on the methods of semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. In total 27 interviews were conducted, 3 focus groups and over 50 hours of observations at various LGBT+ tennis clubs and tournaments in Sydney, Hobart, Perth and Melbourne. Our paper makes a significant contribution to scholarship by assessing the ways in which sport can advance inclusion efforts for LGBT+ people, and positively impact their lives and overall wellbeing. Our research clearly indicated that those who play tennis reported improvement in their mental and physical health whilst also enhancing their social capital.
Engaged or excluded: LGBTQ youth's participation in school sports and their relationship to psychological well‐being, opens in a new tab, Clark, CM, Kosciw, JG, Psychology in the Schools, Volume 59(1), pp.95-114, (January 2022). Sports participation has been shown to positively affect youth well‐being. However, research has also shown that sports environments can be unsafe for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth. Using data from a large study on school‐related experiences of LGBTQ secondary students who reported on their extracurricular activities in school, (N= 15,813), this study examined LGBTQ youth's participation in school sports, the effects of participation on well‐being and school belonging, and whether any such benefits of participation varied by transgender status and gender binary identity. Over a quarter of LGBTQ respondents in our study had participated in school sports, and being transgender and being nonbinary were related to a lower likelihood of sports participation. Transgender males and transgender nonbinary youth had the lowest likelihood of sports participation. In general, LGBTQ youth who participated in sports had increased well‐being and greater school belonging. However, in regard to self‐esteem, transgender nonbinary youth appeared to have greater benefit from participating in sports than did their transgender male and transgender female peers. Considering these results, schools have a responsibility to ensure that school sports are safe and welcoming for LGBTQ youth.
Differences in physical activity and perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ college students, opens in a new tab. Frederick, GM, Castillo-Hernandez, IM, Williams, ER, et al., Journal of American College Health, Volume 70(7), pp.2085-2090, (2022). LGBTQ+ students (n=71) engaged in 17% less aerobic physical activity (PA) and 42% less resistance training than their counterparts (n=335). LGBTQ+ students reported 6.5% lower total Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale scores and 13.3% higher Barriers Scale scores. LGBTQ+ college students are at higher risk of not meeting PA guidelines than non-LGBTQ+ students. More perceived barriers and fewer perceived benefits to PA may contribute to this disparity. Further, the fact that this risk factor, reduced participation in PA, occurs as early as young adulthood places LGBTQ þ individuals at a higher cumulative lifetime risk for chronic disease and other physical and mental health issues. Identification of LGBTQ+-specific barriers to PA among college students is needed to inform programming to increase PA among this at-risk community.
‘Game to play?’: barriers and facilitators to sexuality and gender diverse young people's participation in sport and physical activity, opens in a new tab, R. Storr, L. Nicholas, K. Robinson, et al., Sport, Education and Society, Volume 27(5), pp.604-617, (2022). This study reports on 13 semi-structured interviews with young SAGD people aged 18–24 in Australia that explore their attitudes to and experiences of sport and physical activity. We found that SAGD young people are ‘game to play’: they hold strong desires to participate in sport and physical activity, and articulated how sport could be more inclusive. Using Bourdieu's concept of ‘capital’, we outline how young SAGD people identify sport as a ‘field’ that requires and fosters various types of capital. We explore barriers they identified that prevent the accumulation of physical and social capital associated with sport participation and physical activity, and their insights for how this may be fostered. The ‘field’ of sport presents as an exclusionary environment, which allows for both explicit bullying and more subtle discriminatory practices. Passive assimilation approaches are not enough to provoke substantial change and active intervention is required to decentre the heteronormativity underpinning these spaces, which has implications for policy and practice to advance the inclusion of SAGD young people in sporting environments.
Gay men, well-being, and sport participation: A phenomenological analysis, opens in a new tab, Jake Quinton [thesis], Brock University, (2022). There is a growing interest among scholars and practitioners in LGBTQ+ experiences in sport and leisure. While much of this work has examined homophobia and negative experiences, few studies have examined positive sport experiences of LGBTQ+ athletes. To add to that growing body of literature, the purpose of this study was to explore how gay men navigate potentially stressful environments and derive experiences of well-being, and to gather phenomenological accounts of how gay men derive and experience well-being through sports participation despite the stressful environment they may represent for LGBTQ+ athletes. Specifically, I explored how minority stress theory can provide a deeper understanding of the role stressors play in how gay men derive experiences of well-being through sport participation. Using a phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with nine gay men between the ages of 32 and 43. Themes that capture the overall phenomenon were constructed. These were Craving Community: Reconciling Past Experiences, Sports and Living Authentically, and Sports as an Escape. The data demonstrated the complexity of the gay men's experiences of well-being and allowed me to explore participants' similar and unique experiences in sport more deeply. The findings highlight the ways in which gay men derive well-being from sports participation and the roles stressors play in how they derive that well-being. This study provides a deeper theoretical understanding of the experiences of gay men participating in sports, as well as highlighting how gay men derive positive outcomes from these experiences.
Queering Indoor Swimming in the UK: Transgender and Non-binary wellbeing, opens in a new tab, Jayne Caudwell, Journal of Sport and Social Issues, Volume 46(4), pp.338-362, (2022). This paper draws from a research project that was initiated in 2017 and continued in to 2020. It followed on from previous University-LGBT + community projects (e.g., football versus homophobia 2012–2018) and involved working with a local transgender social group, specifically, their engagement with once-a-month recreational swim sessions. The research findings that are discussed come from sixty-three research participant's ‘drawings’, three focus groups including a professionally drawn illustration of two of these focus groups, and nine semi-structured interviews. The analysis of the qualitative data demonstrates the significance of play and pleasure, feeling free, and transgender and non-binary imaginations to physical activity participation, and wellbeing. These three themes are presented through the lens of queer/queering and transfeminism. As such, the paper has two aims: to document the experiences of physical activity by an often-excluded group; and to evaluate the concept of queering to an understanding of indoor recreational swimming and wellbeing.
Measuring Sex, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation, opens in a new tab, Nancy Bates, Marshall Chin, and Tara Becker, (Eds.), National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (USA), (2022). Sex and gender are often conflated under the assumptions that they are mutually determined and do not differ from each other; however, the growing visibility of transgender and intersex populations, as well as efforts to improve the measurement of sex and gender across many scientific fields, has demonstrated the need to reconsider how sex, gender, and the relationship between them are conceptualized. This is turn affects sexual orientation, because it is defined on the basis of the relationship between a person's own sex or gender and that of their actual or preferred partners. Sex, gender, and sexual orientation are core aspects of identity that shape opportunities, experiences with discrimination, and outcomes through the life course; therefore, it is crucial that measures of these concepts accurately capture their complexity. This report recommends that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) adopt new practices for collecting data on sex, gender, and sexual orientation - including collecting gender data by default, and not conflating gender with sex as a biological variable. The report recommends standardized language to be used in survey questions that ask about a respondent's sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Better measurements will improve data quality, as well as the NIH's ability to identify LGBTQI+ populations and understand the challenges they face.
Specific Detriment: Barriers and Opportunities for Non-Binary Inclusive Sports in Scotland, opens in a new tab, Sonja Erikainen, Ben Vincent, Al Hopkins, Journal of Sport and Social Issues, Volume 46(1), pp.75-102, (2022). While non-binary gender identities have become increasingly visible in recent years, little research currently exists on the experiences that non-binary people have in sport, where most opportunities to participate are limited to two, mutually exclusive female and male categories. This article provides a starting point for addressing this gap, by reporting findings from a participatory scoping study that explored the barriers that non-binary people face in accessing sporting spaces, communities, and competitions. This study also identified strategies through which these barriers could be overcome, and non-binary inclusion facilitated. Taken together, these strategies suggest that genuine inclusion entails not only new ways of thinking about how gender operates in sport but also alternative ways of thinking about the meaning and value of sport itself.
Are we there yet? (Illusions of) Inclusion in sport for LGBT+ communities in Australia, opens in a new tab, Ryan Storr, Ruth Jeanes, Tony Rossi, et al., International Review for the Sociology of Sport, Volume 57(1), (June 2021). This paper reports findings from five recent studies related to gender and sexuality in Australian sport. It offers a challenge to widespread claims that exclusionary practices such as homo/bi/transphobia have been reduced or eliminated within sport settings. We suggest there remains much to be done towards ‘inclusion’, and that the concept itself is perhaps an illusion. Drawing on ‘diversity work’ theory we suggest inclusion is yet to be fully realised in sport-based research circles, and we argue that claims about the advanced progress in inclusion for LGBT+ people are problematic. Structures of language, institutional organisation and misaligned practices act as blocks to inclusion and fuel discrimination. We conclude by offering suggestions about where these can be addressed in sport and in research.
Reviewing evidence of LGBTQ+ discrimination and exclusion in sport, opens in a new tab, Erik Denison, Nadia Bevan, Ruth Jeanes, Sport Management Review, Volume 24(3), pp.389-409, (June 2021). Sport organisations continue to place a low priority on addressing the exclusion and discrimination experienced by LGBTQ+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning/queer, and sexual/gender diverse). It was previously thought this was due to a lack of quantitative evidence of a problem; however, over the past decade, a large body of quantitative research has been conducted, including two international studies, providing strong evidence that discriminatory behaviour remains common in sport and is harmful to this population. In this paper, the authors summarise existing quantitative evidence and consider why sport organisations continue to be slow to address LGBTQ+ exclusion. They argue sport management scholars are in a unique and privileged position to address current resistance to action and drive change through conducting research aimed at identifying pragmatic, practical approaches to end harmful discriminatory behaviours. Finally, the authors describe why such research has the potential to mitigate harm while also advancing the discipline in ways described as being needed by leading scholars.
Sport and the LGBTIQ+ Community: A South Australian Study, opens in a new tab, Murray Drummond, Sam Elliott, Claire Drummond, et al., Frontiers in Psychology, Volume 12, (May 2021). This is a paper based on research with the LGBTIQ+ community in South Australia, the likes of which has not been conducted previously in the state. The paper, which utilized both quantitative (n = 148) and qualitative (n = 31) research methods identifies the key issues that the LGBTIQ+ community face with respect to sporting involvement. There were a range of themes that emerged in relation to a variety of topics including homophobia, sexism and gender discrimination, gender roles and gender stereotypes. This paper provides data and discussion around this important part of the research, which has implications pertaining to sporting organizations and the LGBTIQ+ community.
Football, Media, and Homophobia: Public Framing of the First Pride Game in the Australian Football League, opens in a new tab, Merryn Sherwood, Alex Donaldson, Suzanne Dyson, Communication and Sport, Volume 8(4-5), pp.545-565, (August 2020). Two Australian football clubs—St Kilda and the Sydney Swans—played the first Pride Game in Australian professional sport in 2016 to support and include the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) community at and through a major sporting event. This study examines the framing of this game in the print and online media and in public responses via comments on media coverage and comments on Facebook posts. The framing of both the media coverage and the public response was predominantly supportive, with the theme of the “inclusion,” of gay Australian Football League players and the broader LGBTIQ community, prominent. However, there was a significant difference in the frames used in media coverage compared to the public response to this coverage. There was a relatively high proportion of unsupportive comments (e.g., a “stick to football” theme), including pernicious homophobia, present, particularly in the public response, compared to other recent related research. Overall, the findings suggest that, while there was strong support for the Pride Game, homophobia in sport remains, and the media, particularly social media, can be a platform for its expression.
The Power of Recognition: A Qualitative Study of Social Connectedness and Wellbeing through LGBT Sporting, Creative and Social Groups in Ireland, opens in a new tab, Nerilee Ceatha, Paula Mayock, Jim Campbell, et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 16(19), (September 2019). The broad research consensus suggesting substantial vulnerabilities among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities may fail to recognize the protective factors available to these populations. The sparse literature on mental health promotion highlights the importance of understanding strengths-based community approaches that promote LGBT wellbeing. Informed by the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, underpinned by Honneth’s Theory of Recognition, this paper outlines the findings of a qualitative Irish study on LGBT social connectedness through a diverse range of sporting, creative and social interests. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 people (including one couple) who self-identified as lesbian (5), gay (4), bisexual (1) and transgender (1) aged between 22 and 56 years. The theme of ‘connecting’ emphasized the shared nature of activities, with like-minded others through groups established by, and for, LGBT communities. Messages from the study reinforce the central role of LGBT communities in the promotion of mental health and social wellbeing, with important policy and practice implications. This requires the contextualization of the contribution of LGBT communities within understandings of social justice, identity and recognition.
Experiences of trans persons in physical activity and sport: A qualitative meta-synthesis, opens in a new tab, Víctor Pérez-Samaniego, Jorge Fuentes-Miguel, Sofía Pereira-García, et al., Sport Management Review, Volume 22(4), pp.439-451, (August 2019). The purpose of this paper was to map and provide new insights to existing qualitative research on experiences of trans people in physical activity and sport. Searches in international databases identified 604 documents related with those issues. Of these, the authors assessed 31 studies in accordance with a reading guide. Finally, 12 qualitative studies were selected. Key issues are condensed into four cross-cutting themes: (a) language; (b) facilities and spaces; (c) transgendering strategies; and (d) abjection. The identified issues show how trans persons diversely experience and manage situations of verbal discrimination, resistance, occupation of spaces, identification, and rejection. The paper concludes with insights based on the distinction between gender conformers and gender transformers, and implications for sport managers in order to enhance participation, enjoyment, and wellbeing of trans people in physical activity and sport.
LGBTQ+ Youth’s Experiences and Engagement in Physical Activity: A Comprehensive Content Analysis, opens in a new tab, Scott Greenspan, Catherine Griffith, Ryan Watson, Adolescent Research Review, Volume 4, pp.169-185, (February 2019). Research suggests that sexual and gender minority (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning; LGBTQ+) youth report avoiding physical activity settings (e.g., physical education class, locker rooms, and sport fields) due to feeling both unsafe and uncomfortable. These feelings and experiences might deter LGBTQ+ youth from achieving well-documented physical, cognitive, and social-emotional benefits that are often associated with physical activity and sport involvement. A 20-year (1998–2018) content analysis methodology was employed to obtain a more detailed understanding of LGBTQ+ youth’s participation and engagement in physical activity and sport. Minimal literature was obtained (n = 13 studies), along with an overall pattern that sexual minority youth engage in less physical activity than other populations of students. This disparity was more conclusive for sexual minority males then sexual minority females. One study was inclusive of transgender youth and suggested that transgender youth participated in sport to a similar degree as their cisgender peers; though overall, transgender youth felt less safe in typically gender-segregated spaces such as bathrooms and locker rooms. This review shines light on discrepancies of engagement and feelings of safety in the physical activity and sport context among LGBTQ+ youth. This review further delineates methodological characteristics of the yielded studies as a means to comprehensively review this body of literature.
Three strikes and you’re out: culture, facilities, and participation among LGBTQ youth in sports, opens in a new tab, Alex Kulick, Laura Wernick, Mario Alberto Espinoza, et al., Sport, Education and Society, Volume 24(9), pp.939-953, (2019). Our study uses a data set of adolescents, collected as part of a community-based participatory action research project led by high school students in southeast Michigan, USA. Respondents reported their sexual and gender identities, as well as experiences in youth sport, as well as safety using sex-segregated facilities (i.e., bathrooms and locker-rooms). Using mediation models based on linear regression, we found evidence that LGBQ high school students play sports at a significantly lower rate compared to straight students, and among those who play sports, LGBTQ respondents felt significantly less safe compared to straight and cisgender students. Opposite to the LGBQ and trans youth in this study, straight/cisgender youth also reported feeling safer using all facilities. The mediation models suggest that these inequalities help to explain disparities in rates of sports participation and feelings of safety while participating. These findings have important implications for policy, practice, and future research.
Are we leveling the playing field? Trends and disparities in sports participation among sexual minority youth in Canada, opens in a new tab, Marion Doull, Ryan J. Watson, Annie Smith, Journal of Sport and Health Science, Volume 7(2), pp.218-226, (April 2018). Our aim was to provide a current portrait of sports participation among 3 groups of sexual minority youth (e.g., lesbian, gay, and bisexual) in British Columbia, Canada, as well as to document population trends. We found an overall decline in sports participation and physical activity (PA) for all youth. Sexual minority students were less likely to participate in formal sports (with a coach) and informal sports (without a coach) compared with their heterosexual peers. The disparity in participating in informal sports between heterosexual and sexual minority youth has narrowed over time for some sexual orientation groups, whereas the disparity in participating in formal sports has widened over time in some cases.
‘People have a knack of making you feel excluded if they catch on to your difference’: Transgender experiences of exclusion in sport, opens in a new tab, Owen Hargie, David Mitchell, Ian Somerville, International Review for the Sociology of Sport, Volume 52(2), pp.223-239, (March 2017). While there is a growing literature in the field of gender, sexuality and sport, there is a dearth of research into the lived experiences of transgender people in sport. The present study addresses this research gap by exploring and analysing the accounts of transgender people in relation to their experiences of sport and physical activity. These are examined within the theoretical rubrics of social exclusion and minority stress theory. The findings from in-depth interviews with 10 transgender persons are detailed. Four interconnected themes emerged from the interviewee accounts: the intimidating nature of the changing/locker room environment; the impact of alienating sports experiences at school; the fear of public space and how this drastically constrained their ability to engage in sport and physical activity; and the overall effects of being denied the social, health and wellbeing aspects of sport. The findings are discussed in relation to the distinctive quality of transgender exclusion, and the related distal and proximal stressors experienced by this particular minority group.
Barriers and facilitators of physical activity and sport participation among young transgender adults who are medically transitioning, opens in a new tab, Bethany Alice Jones, Jon Arcelus, Walter Pierre Bouman, et al., International Journal of Transgenderism, Volume 18(2), pp.227-238, (2017). Transgender people (those who feel incongruence between the gender they were assigned at birth and their gender identity) engage in lower levels of physical activity compared to cisgender (non-transgender) people. Several factors have been shown to affect physical activity engagement in the cisgender population; however, the physical activity experiences of young transgender adults have not been explored. It is therefore the aim of the current study to understand what factors are associated with physical activity and sport engagement in young transgender adults who are medically transitioning. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 young transgender adults (18–36 years) who had initiated their medical transition at a transgender health service in the United Kingdom. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Two main themes were identified: (1) barriers and (2) facilitators to physical activity and sport. Overall, the young transgender adults were insufficiently active due to inadequate changing facilities, body dissatisfaction, fears surrounding “passing” and not being accepted by others. At the same time, participants were motivated to engage in physical activity to increase their body satisfaction and gender congruence. However, participants felt there was a lack of safe and comfortable spaces to engage in physical activity and sport.
The impacts of discriminatory experiences on lesbian, gay and bisexual people in sport, opens in a new tab, Symons, Caroline, O'Sullivan, Grant and Polman, Remco, Annals of Leisure Research, Volume 20(4), pp.467-489, (2017). This study examines the nature and impact of sexist and homophobic discrimination experienced by lesbians, gays and bisexuals (LGB) in Australian sporting settings. A mixed methods online survey was utilised to collate participant experiences. The findings suggest that, in sport, participants experienced sexism directly and systemically, and homophobia explicitly and implicitly. Women experienced sexism and homophobia, whilst men reported more homophobic events. The most mentioned impacts of discrimination were negative emotions such as sadness, anger, distress and shame, followed by negative engagement with sport such as disliking sport, or avoiding or leaving sport. The well recognised benefits of sport such as physical and mental wellbeing, social connections, enjoyment, positive identity and achievement may be more difficult to realise within this context of significant social stress.
Physical Activity Disparities in Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Youth Ages 12–22 Years Old: Roles of Childhood Gender Nonconformity and Athletic Self-Esteem, opens in a new tab, Jerel Calzo, Andrea Roberts, Heather Corliss, et al., Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Volume 47(1), pp.17-27, (February 2014). The aim of this study is to examine adolescent and young adult hours/week of moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and team sports participation by sexual orientation and investigate contributions of gender nonconformity and low athletic self-esteem to possible sexual orientation differences. Analysis of data from 5,272 males and 7,507 females from 1999 to 2005 waves of the US Growing Up Today Study (ages 12–22 years). Sexual minorities (i.e. lesbian, gay, bisexual, mostly heterosexual) reported 1.21–2.62 h/week less MVPA (p < 0.01) and were 46–76% less likely to participate in team sports than same-gender heterosexuals. Gender nonconformity and athletic self-esteem accounted for 46–100 % of sexual orientation MVPA differences.
SBS Sport Inclusion 2024: June Pride Month, opens in a new tab, SBS Sport, (June 2024). SBS Sport has partnered with Pride in Sport Australia to showcase some of Australia's most amazing LGBTQ athletes, from a range of sporting codes. The four-part video series celebrates LGBTQ athletes and highlights the importance of LGBTQ inclusion in sport.Episode 1: The Beginning - We hear about how they began their sporting journey and the various challenges and inspirations that encouraged them to achieve their sporting goals.
Episode 2: The Choice - The series explores the circumstances around peoples’ decisions or otherwise to come out publicly. We hear about the athlete’s journeys, sharing moments of feeling, the power of inclusion and why it’s important to be included.
Episode 3: The Challenge - We explore the challenges LGBTQ+ athletes still face and what we can do moving forward, through the power of inclusion.
Episode 4: The Future - We hear about the important role that allies play in making sport more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
Equal the Contest, opens in a new tab [documentary film], Umbrella Entertainment, (2024). When a 42-year-old, non-binary filmmaker joins a new local women’s footy club in Regional Victoria a simple desire to play becomes a complex journey of inclusion and belonging. An unexpected turn means the team has to fight to play. Their campaign challenges age old sporting traditions and joins the wider movement for gender equity.
Social Norms and Prejudiced Language in Sports The Disconnect of Actions and Beliefs, opens in a new tab, Sport Inclusion Project, YouTube, (2 November 2020). In this video we'll be looking at how homophobic and prejudiced language leads to decreased participation and feelings of acceptance in sports in the LGBT community, and how changing our social norms can help fix this problem.
Diversity is an advantage at Loton Park Tennis Club, opens in a new tab, Tennis Australia YouTube, (21 December 2018). Award-winning Loton Park Tennis Club, based in Perth, Western Australia openly welcomes all participants who identify as LGBTQ+. Their motto is “Diversity is our advantage”. Members of the club have the opportunity to participate in league competitions, social play, Come and Try Days and many other events. Loton Park Tennis Club has strong relationships with other local sports organisations, sharing resources and events.
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