Drive to tackle homophobia in sport
SPORT WALES & STONEWALL CYMRU
PUBLISH GROUND-BREAKING RESEARCH INTO GAY SPORTS PARTICIPATION
Sport Wales are today calling for the sport sector to unite in
making the sporting environment in Wales, one that is safe and
welcoming to all, as they launch the results of new research into
lesbian, gay and bisexual sports participation in Wales.
Conducted in partnership with Stonewall Cymru, and
in a bid to better understand the sporting experiences of Wales'
LGB communities, the research encouragingly reveals that 94% of the
respondents have taken part in sport in the last 12 months; however
it has also highlighted certain barriers to sport that Sport Wales
are committing to addressing.
Professor Laura McAllister, Chair of Sport Wales, explains;
"Let's be clear; homophobia in sport is completely unacceptable.
At Sport Wales, we've made genuine commitments to making sport
something that all people in our nation can enjoy; and when we say
'all', we mean 'all', regardless of age, gender, sexuality,
ethnicity, religion or disability.
"Whilst we are encouraged by the high number of respondents that
are participating in sport and think that it is both fun, and
important to take part in, it was also highlighted that some
individuals are being turned off sport, believing it can be an
unwelcoming and unsafe environment for gay people."
The research reveals that gay men in particular were more likely
than other respondents to say that sport is not a safe environment
for LGB individuals, identifying an issue of double exclusion from
mainstream sports clubs because of sexual orientation and perceived
ability.
"From schools through to community and professional sport,
participants, coaches and spectators, the sector needs to take
stock and look at what more can be done to ensure there is a warm
welcome for all."
"72% of those asked said they would be more likely to
participate in a club if it was marketed as LGB friendly and
organised its activities on this basis. That sends a strong message
to the sector, there is a captive audience wanting to engage with
sport and we need to do all we can to visibly demonstrate a
commitment to encouraging them to join us in our ambitions for
Welsh sport.
"We're under no illusions that the sport sector alone cannot
change the opinions and beliefs of every person in Wales - but as a
modern, forward thinking sector, we can make a commitment to make
sport inclusive and welcoming. We can think about our own
behaviour, and when appropriate, challenge the behaviour of others
where it falls short."
Andrew White from Stonewall Cymru added,
"This research shows that for many of Wales' 184,000 lesbian,
gay and bisexual people, their experience of sport is not always a
positive one. Whilst many are interested in sport, they have also
been put off by negative experiences or perceptions."
"If these issues are not addressed, we risk excluding and not
inspiring a generation of people from the many benefits offered by
taking part in sports. The message is clear: those involved in the
running of sport must do more to show their commitment to tackling
homophobia and encouraging gay people to take part in sport."
Jonathan Ford, Football Association of Wales Chief Executive,
added:
"There should be no barriers in sport whatsoever. Football
should be all embracing; everyone should be able to, and encouraged
to participate at whatever level. The environment for playing the
game should be welcoming and comfortable. As an association part of
our role is to break down the barriers wherever they exist; that is
why we have actively supported the work being done by Sport Wales
and Stonewall Cymru."
In a bid to address the issues highlighted in the research,
Sport Wales, Stonewall Cymru and the FAW have instigated the
formation of an LGBT Network, tasked with driving participation,
support and equality, championing LGBT issues within sport and
eliminating discrimination through the delivery of education and
training.
Whilst being set-up by the aforementioned organisations, they
are now calling for those with an interest in positively
influencing the sporting landscape for LGBT communities to come
forward and help develop an action plan to make sport in Wales
accessible to, organised and accessed by a higher number of LGBT
individuals.
For anyone interested in playing a role within the LGBT Network,
you are invited to send your expressions of interest to lgbt@sportwales.org.uk by
Friday 4th January 2013.
To read the full 'Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People in Sport:
Understanding LGB sports participation in Wales' report, please
visit www.sportwales.org.uk/lgbreport