Champions of Inclusion

Introduction

Values Based Sport – Sport as a Human Right

Sport is widely recognised for its positive impact on individuals and broader society. Improved physical and mental wellbeing, community building, reduced health care costs and economic development are some examples of this impact.

Sport its importance is also affirmed in juridical frameworks such as the European Charter on Sport^[1] and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.^[2] These frameworks establish sport as a social, educational and cultural activity. Therefore, ­ access to sport is considered to be a fundamental right, ­ meaning that everyone, without discrimination of any kind, should be able to participate in and enjoy sport.

It is the responsibility of both public authorities and sport organisations to create accessible conditions in sport. Decision-makers on these levels should set conditions and requirements that are necessary for the inclusive development of sport.

The inclusion of LGBTQI+ people in sport

Even though this ‘sport for all’ approach is generally recognised by decision-makers, a Council of Europe review of member states found that sport is a hostile environment for LGBTQI+ people^[3] and discovered a lack of inclusive policy measures as well as collaboration between sport bodies and LGBT+ associations.

Part of the explanation can be found in the relation between gender and sport, which developed throughout history and created rigid expectations regarding men and women participating in sport.^[4] These expectations reflect the cisgender heteronormative culture of our society which causes LGBTQI+ people to experience hostility, discriminatory language and behaviour and to not always feel safe or welcome.^[5],[6]

• 80 % of LGBTQI+ individuals experienced homo and trans negative language^[7]
• 1 out of 3 LGBTQI+ people remain closeted in their sport
• Only 8 % reported incidents of discrimination;
• 20 % of LGBTQI+ people refrain from sport due to their sexual or gender identity
• 8 out of 10 LGBTQI+ clubs/groups believe that mainstream sport lacks a welcoming culture^[8]

Efforts towards a more inclusive sport environment

Throughout the years different kinds of initiatives were introduced to transform this hostile sport environment into a more safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQI+ people. The examples below illustrate this.

Besides the mentioned juridical frameworks, policy measures were put into place to realise a more inclusive sporting environment. The European Commission worked on an ‘LGBTIQ Equality Strategy’, fostering inclusion and tackling discrimination.^[9] In 2022 the Council of Europe urged member states to get rid of discriminatory policies against LGBTI people.^[10]

These policy measures are complemented by practices in the field such as diversity training, Pride activities or tournaments, visibility campaigns and so on. The rationale behind this is that DEI (diversity, equality and inclusion) initiatives increase recognition of LGBTQI+ identities and value each individual.^[11] Furthermore, these initiatives can be an effective way of putting an organisation’s social responsibility into practice^[12] and engage a larger audience of potential members and volunteers.

The Role of LGBTQI+ Sport Clubs and Groups

Adding to previously mentioned measures and practices is the existence of LGBTQI+ specific sport clubs and groups. LGBTQI+ sport organisations play an important role in the process of creating a more inclusive sport world.

First of all because they offer a feeling of belonging and a strong sense of community for athletes, knowing that they are surrounded by people with similar life experiences.^[13] Athletes feel less pressure to manage their identity according to society’s expectations, improving their wellbeing.

Second, these LGBTQI+ clubs can support mainstream clubs in recognizing and tackling the obstacles that are still present in sport.^[14] Things that may seem inconsequential like conversations in the dressing room about partners or children can create stress among LGBTQI+ people. Taking part in these conversations is important for long-term acceptance within the club but they simultaneously demand sharing of one’s own relationship status. Not being aware of these obstacles, causes drop-out risk among LGBTQI+ athletes, while hearing these experiences from LGBTQI+ clubs can help mainstream clubs to make such practices more inclusive.

Bridging Gaps: Mainstream and LGBTQI+ Sport are Complementary

LGBTQI+ sport clubs are often perceived as compensatory for the lack of inclusion and accessibility in main- stream sport. However, a complementary approach would make more sense in efforts towards inclusion.

Mainstream sport clubs may lack the in-depth attention to social safety and belonging that LGBTQI+ clubs tend to prioritise. Events or short-term projects for example, might lack impact in the long run. Moreover, there is no guarantee that these initiatives will provide an appropriate solution to the challenges experienced by LGBTQI+ people.

Nonetheless, they are often better resourced in terms of infrastructure, visibility and organisational support than LGBTQI+ sport clubs, who face certain challenges when organising community specific activities.

While a compensatory approach upholds the risk of contin- ued exclusion, a complementary approach can bridge the strengths of resource availability on the one hand and strong social cohesion on the other. This can be mutu- ally beneficial for creating a more accessible and qualitative sport environment and eventually, offer LGBTQI+ people a positive choice between mainstream or community sport.

That’s why this paper offers some concrete recommendations ­ towards decision-makers in public ­ authorities and sport regulating organisations to take on their role as facilitators of collaboration.

Successful partnership to get inspired

Out For The Win, an LGBTQI+ sport organisation in Belgium, started a collaboration with a local gymnastics club about improving the positive atmosphere within the club. For this, they introduced a “sportsmanship code”, heavily inspired on creating a safe(r) space.

The code was about respect, open communication, working together and so on. Once ready, the club hung it everywhere, slightly changed depending on the target group (gymnasts, supporters, parents, …).

Following the introduction of this code

• trainers report that it is easier to address topics such as bullying;
• the contact persons for integrity are more comfortable in their role;
• the club attracted more diverse members;
• the project was recognised and celebrated by the gymnastics federation, opening doors for future conversations.  

A board member is now responsible for the follow-up of this project and further integrating it in the club.