…Researched and contributed by Lola Smith.
LGBTQ+ adults have experienced homophobic and transphobic abuse in live sports events, with football, cricket, and tennis being the worst sports, according to a survey conducted on 1,000 adults.
Over a third (34%) of LGBTQ+ adults were targeted at a live sports event an average of four times, with over half (53%) saying it occurred at a men’s football event, and 23% saying it was at a women’s football match.
In addition, 54% of the respondents witnessed homophobic or transphobic abuse aimed at someone else at a sporting event, with other problem sports including basketball, rugby, swimming, and Formula 1.
As a result, 85% of the LGBTQ+ community believe that the world of sports needs to be improved to become more inclusive to everyone.
The study, conducted via OnePoll, revealed that 38% of those who have taken part in a team game have encountered abuse from their own side because of their sexuality, with 46% of those confronting them personally, while 32% stayed quiet.
Three-quarters of those who were confronted said the abuser tried to justify their comments as “banter.”
Almost half (49%) of those who witnessed abuse at a sporting event said it was directed at those watching the sport, while 23% saw the players targeted, and 27% saw both groups abused.
In response to the findings, Nissan UK, the official automotive partner of the TCS London Marathon, is creating its inclusive Cheer Zone for the LGBTQ+ community, providing a lively atmosphere for spectators at the “Rainbow Row” section of the course.
Adele Roberts, one of Nissan UK’s diversity, equity, and inclusion ambassadors, said that everyone should feel comfortable to play sport or attend any sporting event, whatever their gender or sexuality.
Roberts added that the Cheer Zone is crucial as almost half of LGBTQ+ fans feel uncomfortable watching live sport in person, and she is looking forward to running as a proud member of the community.
The research indicates that homophobic or transphobic “banter” has always been part of sporting culture, according to 45% of all LGBTQ+ adults polled.
Additionally, 44% of respondents believe the sporting world is less progressive and accepting than society as a whole.