LGBT Youth North West, with support from Pride Sports, have developed a good practice guide on getting young LGBT people into sport.
It is estimated that between 6% and 8% of the UK’s population is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). Whilst the latest results from Sport England’s Active people survey show lesbian, gay and bisexual people to be very active, it is unlikely that this activity takes place within affiliated community sports clubs. Whilst monitoring of gender identity has not yet been undertaken as part of the Active People Survey, it is highly likely that trans people remain some of the most exluded from sport and physical activity in the UK. Many LGBT people find organised sport to be intimidating and alienating, having experienced homophobia and transphobia within sport, particularly school sport, at an early age. Community sport therefore has someway to go in making itself accessible to LGBT people.
This Guidance provides some pointers form National Governing Bodies and other sport providers on how to make their sport more accessible to young LGBT people. It has been written following consultation with young LGBT people who access the services of LGBT Youth North West.
It provides information about the legislation as it affects young LGBT people in sport, takes a look at the experiences of LGBT young people in relation to sport, with a particular focus on school sport and then provides
recommendations for engaging LGBT young people in sport and making sport a more inclusive and welcoming place.