AusLeisure

More than half of LGBTIQA+ young people in Australia have witnessed discrimination in community-based sport, according to a new Swinburne University of Technology study.

Led by Swinburne Research Fellows Dr Ryan Storr and Dr Carleigh Yeomans, the landmark study of over 1,000 LGBTIQA+ people across Australia - the largest of its kind in a decade - reveals that LGBTIQA+ young people’s (16-25) participation rates are significantly lower (around 30%) compared to non-LGBTIQA+ peers (60%).

40% of this group reported personal experiences of discrimination, primarily through verbal vilification.

While there have been improvements over the past decade, progress has been slow and stubborn, particularly for young gay men, 76% of whom reported witnessing homophobia, with 63% experiencing it firsthand.

Overall, 53% of LGBTIQA+ young people surveyed witnessed discrimination in sport and movement settings.

Explaining that the report points to the need for sustained and targeted efforts to make sporting environments safe and inclusive for all players, Dr Storr stated “the young people we spoke to for this study highlighted their desire to be able to play sport and ‘just exist’ or be themselves, without having their identities questioned, debated and interrogated.

“This research clearly indicates that discrimination stops LGBTIQA+ young people from playing sport, and when they do play, they often have to endure ongoing discrimination.”

The research, which was supported by an Impact Research Grant from health promotion foundation VicHealth, highlights the urgent need for tailored programs and initiatives to address homophobia and foster safe and inclusive sporting environments - especially in youth environments.

“While the data reveals promising trends across the broader LGBTIQA+ community, the reality is that LGBTIQA+ people have a fifty-fifty chance of witnessing homophobia when they play sports.”

“Rates of experiencing and witnessing homophobia in sport for gay men have barely shifted in recent years. We still have a long way to go to make men’s sport environments safe and welcoming.

“The benefits are clear when LGBTIQA+ people feel safe and included in sport, it improves mental health outcomes and increases social capital and feelings of belonging and connection. We can, and must, do better.”

Targeted efforts needed to tackle homophobia
Dr Storr found that LGBTIQA+ youth still encounter multifaceted challenges in navigating their identities within sport and movement spaces, including concerns about whether to disclose their identities to teammates and coaches, assessing the safety of club environments, and managing their mental health amid pervasive discrimination.

He noted “sustained and targeted efforts are needed to make sporting environments safe and inclusive for all players, with anti-homophobia campaigns and initiatives urgently needed. The major sporting codes must commit to taking immediate action in tackling LGBTIQA+ discrimination, especially across men’s team sport environments.”

For organisations wanting to take action, Dr Storr suggests participating in Proud2Play and VicSport’s ‘Rainbow Roadmap’ program, which supports clubs and organisations in becoming rainbow ready.

Image credit: Swinburne University.

Related Articles

16th May 2024 - QUT to invest $4.5 million into AusiSTAR sport science data hub

26th April 2024 - ASC development program focusses on importance of inclusive leadership

15th March 2024 - AIS Thrive with Pride program looks for athletes to champion inclusion in sport

12th March 2024 - Belgravia Leisure program empowers youth while fostering social inclusion

15th February 2024 - Victoria’s Diversity and Inclusion in Leisure Forum attracts more than 200 delegates

24th February 2024 - Sydney’s first LGBTQ+ museum Qtopia opens in former police station

24th July 2023 - The 1975 cancels Indonesia and Taiwan shows after row over Malaysia’s LGBT laws

12th June 2023 - Allianz Australia partners with Pride in Sport to support young LGBTQ+ athletes

12th May 2023 - Pride in Sport Awards celebrate athletes, clubs and organisations for LGBTQ Inclusion

23rd February 2023 - Les Mills spotlights experiences of LGBTQIA+ fitness instructors to coincide with Sydney Worldpride 2023

17th February 2023 - Australian Diamonds player among AIS ambassadors helping to drive LGBTIQ+ inclusion in sport 

13th August 2022 - Swinburne University study shows benefits of exercise is medicine program

25th May 2022 - Swinburne University study reveals psychological challenges facing music and performing arts

31st March 2022 - Swinburne Sport Innovation Research Group to expand their impact

29th March 2022 - Wellington City Council offers regular ‘Out in the Pool’ sessions for LGBTQI+ community

12th March 2022 - Adelaide City FC Chairman condemns fans for homophobic abuse aimed at visiting football clubs

2nd February 2022 - Australian athletes champion LGBTIQ+ pride in sport

6th December 2021 - Regional Victoria events celebrate LGBTIQ communities

22nd June 2019 - New research shows Homophobic language rife in ice hockey

24th April 2019 - New research explores why homophobic language is used in sport

24th November 2018 - Research shows sportsmen still using homophobic slurs on the field

31st August 2018 - Study shows education can change homophobic attitudes in sport

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.