A significant proportion of LGBTQ+ individuals do not feel welcome at live sporting events, according to research commissioned by LGBTQ+ advocacy group Stonewall. The study highlights ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people when participating in or attending sports.
The findings reveal that one in four LGBTQ+ individuals feel unwelcome or unsafe in community sports groups or team sports. Additionally, one in five attendees at live sporting events in the past year reported experiencing discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Among Black, Asian, and minority ethnic LGBTQ+ individuals, this figure rises to one in three.
Discrimination also extends to fitness clubs and sports groups, with one in five participants encountering prejudice based on their sexual orientation or gender identity within the past year.
In response to these issues, Stonewall continues to champion inclusivity in sports through its Rainbow Laces campaign, launched in 2013. The initiative aims to foster acceptance and representation for LGBTQ+ athletes and fans across all levels of sport.
This year’s Rainbow Laces campaign has been rolled out across high-profile platforms, including the Women’s Super League, Women’s Championship, and Grand Slam Darts tournament. Partnerships have also been formed with grassroots football teams and the Football Association, while the Premier League will support the campaign in early December.
Blackpool FC striker Jake Daniels, currently England’s only openly gay male professional footballer, underscored the importance of such campaigns. Reflecting on his own experiences, he 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.”
