**One in Four LGBTQ+ Individuals Feel Unwelcome at Sporting Events**
Recent research commissioned by Stonewall has revealed that one in four LGBTQ+ individuals do not feel welcome at live sports events. The study, conducted by market research and insight agency Opinium between January 24 and March 11 this year, surveyed 2000 LGBTQ+ people and found that some still feel unwelcome or unsafe while playing or watching sports.
The research further indicated that one in four LGBTQ+ people do not feel welcome in community sports groups or community team sports. Shockingly, one in five individuals who attended a live sporting event in the past year reported feeling discriminated against because of their LGBTQ+ identity. Moreover, one in three black, Asian, and minority ethnic LGBTQ+ attendees at live sporting events in the past year also reported experiencing discrimination.
Additionally, the study highlighted that one in five individuals who participated in fitness clubs or sports groups in the past year faced discrimination due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. These findings come amidst Stonewall’s ongoing Rainbow Laces campaign, which aims to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.
The Rainbow Laces campaign, initiated in 2013, encourages individuals to show support for LGBTQ+ inclusion by lacing up. This year, the campaign kicked off in the Women’s Super League, Women’s Championship, and Grand Slam of Darts tournament, with participation from the Football Association and grassroots football teams. The Premier League is also set to show its support in early December.
Jake Daniels, a Blackpool striker who is openly gay, emphasised the importance of initiatives like Rainbow Laces in allowing LGBTQ+ players and fans to fully express themselves in sports. Daniels stated, “In 2024, LGBTQ+ people deserve better. I’m proud to support Rainbow Laces this year, to help all of us have the opportunity to participate in and feel part of the sports we love.”
The statistics from the research reinforce the need for more inclusive environments in sports, where LGBTQ+ individuals feel accepted and safe. The progress made over the past decade is commendable, but there is still work to be done to ensure that everyone can freely engage in the sports they love, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
These findings serve as a reminder of the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of society, including sports. As more awareness is raised and initiatives like Rainbow Laces gain momentum, the hope is that LGBTQ+ individuals will no longer face discrimination or feelings of unwelcome while participating in sporting events.
The study’s results underscore the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the sporting world and serve as a call to action for greater acceptance and support for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Initiatives like Rainbow Laces play a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in sports.
In conclusion, as the sporting landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for stakeholders to work together to create a space where everyone, regardless of their identity, feels valued and respected. Only through collective efforts and a commitment to inclusivity can the sporting community truly become a place where all LGBTQ+ individuals feel welcome and able to fully participate and enjoy the sports they love.