Food & Health Alliance

The purpose of this study was to review and critique the literature on sexual orientation in sport in order to inform equality impact assessments, support the implementation of the sports councils’ equality schemes and inform the advice given by these agencies on developing sports participation among those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transsexual and on tackling homophobia in sport.

Key Findings:

• The review focuses mainly on the UK context and English language sources but also draws on materials and policy references from other countries where these are relevant. All levels of the sport performance ladder are addressed, from recreational to elite.
• Research focusing on identity and experience is the dominant theme in the literature, with considerable additional contributions from the literature on women/femininities and men/masculinities.
• Bisexuality and transsexuality are underrepresented in sports research and policy.
• Whilst there is a basic awareness among stakeholders that there are issues relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual people that have to do with participation, discrimination and homophobia in sport, there is a lack of expertise (and in some cases desire) to do what is required to address them.
• Lack of data and evidence means these issues can be ignored or remain hidden.
• Equality issues around sexual orientation and gender identity are still seen differently from comparable issues on race, gender or disability and the underlying prejudices are different.
• Much of the prejudice and negativity around LGBT issues in sport can be traced back to the application of gender stereotypes and perceptions of masculinity and femininity.
• Attitudes within sport both reinforce and are underpinned by wider social attitudes. It would be unfair to judge sports organisations by higher standards than those demonstrated elsewhere.
• Young people are seen as key to effecting change because they often express more enlightened attitudes to diversity than older generations. Sport can be a powerful influence both on young people’s own personal development and on their attitudes to others, so young people’s openness to diversity is likely to continue even after their personal involvement in sport ceases.
• There are many different dimensions to sport: team vs individual, elite vs recreational, health and social benefits of participation, sport’s influence on fans and spectators. Each of these brings about different challenges and opportunities for LGBT inclusion and equality.
• In relation to effective service delivery, there is little evidence of integrated policy or thinking in the context of sport, health, education and social inclusion. Bringing these elements together more effectively could create a step-change in some of the issues relating to LGBT participation and equality, and help to add value to governments’ efforts to work in a more ‘joined up’ way across health, sport, education and industry.
• Homophobic discrimination and gender stereotyping are not just damaging to those who may be LGBT but risk affecting performance and participation amongst far wider groups.
• There is no clear leadership on this issue and even some in government positions appear to be hesitant to take a stand on policy.