As Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport kicks off, the charity is releasing new research revealing a significant number of LGBTQ+ people still feel unwelcome and unsafe playing or watching the sports they love.
The statistics show:
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1 in 4 LGBTQ+ people (27%) do not feel welcome in community sport groups or community team sports
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1 in 4 LGBTQ+ people (26%) do not feel welcome at live sports events
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Nearly a third of LGBTQ+ people (29%) do not feel welcome watching live sport in a pub.1 in 5 LGBTQ+ people (21%) who attended a live sporting event in the last year felt discriminated against because they are LGBTQ+
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1 in 3 Black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBTQ+ people (34%) who attended a live sport event in the last year report experiencing discrimination
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1 in 5 LGBTQ+ people (22%) who attended a fitness club or sports group in the last year experienced discrimination because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity
Since 2013, Rainbow Laces has kickstarted conversations on LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, and over a million people have laced up in support. Over the past decade, millions have been impacted by clubs, teams and fitness spaces becoming more welcoming and accepting to LGBTQ+ people.
Research from 2023, showed that a majority of Britons (56%) viewed gay sportspeople as good role models; a sign that attitudes are changing thanks to the hard work of sports organisations and individuals across the nation. Football in particular has come a long way in visibly championing inclusion initiatives and taking action to create tangible change.
But, according to Stonewall, despite this progress, these latest statistics show “that we still need to keep our eye on the ball. All of us deserve to feel safe participating in the sports we love and experience the unique benefits that sport can create”.
Anyone can take part in 2024’s Rainbow Laces campaign. Whether it’s on the pitch, in the stands, or anywhere in between, there are many ways everyone can get involved – from snapping a picture wearing a pair of the iconic laces to sharing your story on social media.
Major sports organisations across the nation are showing their support for Rainbow Laces and helping to champion inclusion for all. The campaign has already gone live across the Professional Darts Grand Slam, the Barclays Women’s Super League, the Barclays Women’s Championship and the Football Association, with many grassroots football teams also joining in, alongside Sky Sports who will continue their support over the next two weeks. The Premier League will follow later in the month.
Jake Daniels, Professional Footballer at Blackpool FC, said: “I know first-hand what it feels like to have to hide who you are on the pitch and the impact that has on participating in the sports you love. It’s thanks to campaigns like Rainbow Laces that more LGBTQ+ players and fans can bring their full selves to the beautiful game, and sport as a whole.
“While we’ve seen so much progress over the past decade, these statistics highlight that too many of us still feel unwelcome and unsafe in sport. 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.”
Simon Blake OBE, CEO of Stonewall said: “Sports have a unique power to bring people together and connect through a shared passion for the sport we love. When Rainbow Laces started over a decade ago, being LGBTQ+ – a player or supporter – was a daunting experience for many. Since the campaign launched over a decade ago, over a million people have shown their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.
“I know first-hand the joy of doing the sport I love without fear of discrimination. Sadly, our latest research shows this isn’t the case for everyone and far too many LGBTQ+ people still don’t feel welcome in sport. Making sport inclusive for all is one game we have to win.”