90% of LGBTQ people in sport feel that anti-LGBTQ discrimination is still an issue within their industry

19th May 2019

The report was commissioned by Outsport.

A new report has found that 90% of LGBTQ people within sport feel that anti-LGBTQ discrimination is still an issue. The study asked 5,500 LGBTQ people aged 16-78 in European countries about their experiences.

Among some of the most worrying statistics, one in two trans players have experienced discrimination within the last year, 33% of respondents remain closeted because of homophobic abuse, and just under half (49%) say that it was their own teammates who were giving out the abuse.

Other worrying statistics from the report said one in five people had experienced physical violence because of their sexual or gender identity, 20% were afraid to take part in sport because of their identity, and out of those who were no longer active in sport, 5% had quit due to anti-LGBTQ abuse.

The research was carried out because due to a “lack of evidence” surrounding LGBTQ people in sport, according to Professor Ilse Hartmann-Tews, the head of research at Outsport.

She added: “The results provide empirical evidence to develop a set of measures that are going to be implemented within the scope of the OUTSPORT project.

“Right from the beginning of the OUTSPORT project, all of the project partners set up a variety of information-sharing and educational activities in order to raise awareness about discrimination in sport based on sexual orientation, gender identity and/or sex characteristics.

“Our results give evidence that sporting cultures must become more diverse. We are ready to support federations, local clubs, government agencies and national and international organisations to develop respective strategies.”

Speaking about what could be done to address the issues that sport face, respondents felt three main things would help. Those being high-profile sporting stars coming out as LGBTQ, high-profile anti-discrimination campaigns and diversity training.

Outsport is now conducting new research into how sport organisations and federations are going to make sport more LGBTQ-inclusive. The results of the study are due to be published on 8 November, at the Outsport Conference in Budapest.