Dr Emily Pattinson, University of Leeds, School of Healthcare, @EmilyPatPsyc

In summer 2016 the Great British Olympic team were praised as being one of the most diverse teams at the games, with 11 openly LGBTQ+ athletes across the Olympic and Paralympic teams. GB equestrian star Lee Pearson literally waved the flag for LGBTQ+ athletes after he was given the honour of being the GB flag bearer at the Paralympic opening ceremony. Other trailblazing LGBTQ+ athletes such as diver Tom Daley, boxer Nicola Adams, race walker Tom Bosworth and hockey players Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh have all raised awareness for LGBTQ+ athletes.

Sadly not all stories from LGBTQ+ athletes are positive, with many athletes suffering as a result of homophobic and transphobic attitudes in sport. This is supported by the findings of the Sport England Pride sports document (2016) in which it was suggested LGBTQ+ equality is see as less important when compared to other minority group equality, such as race or disability. It was also suggested that there is an overall lack of knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues and how to address homophobia and transphobia in GB sport.

No matter your personal feelings towards LGBTQ+ athletes in sport, shouldn’t every athlete feel safe, respected and valued in their sport? The first step to increasing awareness and reducing homophobia and transphobia in sport is to have an open discussion and increase our own knowledge. Here are a few little changes we can make as practitioners, researcher, coaches and humans to help make LGBTQ+ athletes feel welcomed and valued.

Sex and Gender are NOT the same

Gender is often used as an umbrella term for biological sex and gender identity, but they are not the same thing. An easy way to remember this is that biological sex is what you have between your legs, of which there are three options: male, female and intersex. Whereas, gender is what is between your ears, and there are endless options. Gender is a self-expression which sometimes does and sometimes does not match your biological sex. For example, someone who is non-binary may not identify as entirely male or entirely female but this has nothing to do with the biological sex they are.

Try to avoid assuming someone’s gender. A good trick to avoid any upset or uncomfort is to ask someone what pronoun they would like to be referred by: he, she or they. Also many people who are gender diverse may not feel comfortable trying to fill in a survey if the gender options are male or female. Try offering an open text option for gender on forms that way you get the most accurate demographic information and everyone feels valued. These little things can make a huge difference when building a rapport with an LGBTQ+ athlete.

Avoid Heteronormativity and Cis-normativity

Heteronormativity is the belief that heterosexuality (being straight) is the only and right sexual orientation, and cis-normativity is the belief that male and female are the only genders. By making an assumption that someone is straight you could be dismissing a part of that person they are very proud of. Try using gender neutral terms like partner instead of wife or husband, and child instead of son or daughter. A little change but it can make all the difference.

Put yourself in Other People’s Shoes

The best way to combat homophobia and transphobia in sport is to imagine someone said that about you. You would be surprised how many passing comments can be so hurtful. To use an example from my own work, I was informed of an incident in which one youth athlete had made a comment that another youth athlete that their upbringing was poor because they had two mums. If that young person’s mother was disabled no one would question that comment was inappropriate. However in this instance the young person was told by certain coaching staff that they should expect that sort of comment as their parents relationship was not the norm. Should anyone have to expect abuse and inappropriate comments because of something out of their control? Watch the video linked below, it’s a great little video demonstrating what it would be like if homosexuality was the norm and heterosexual people were persecuted and targeted (Warning: some viewers may find the video upsetting, scenes of bullying and self-harm), it’s a fantastic illustration of little comments that are often missed. Especially watch out for the comments made by the teachers, and ask yourself have you ever made a comment like that?

By clicking and reading this short article you have made the first step towards combating homophobia and transphobia in your practise, thank you.

Imagine A World Where Being “Gay” The Norm & Being “Straight” Would Be The Minority! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnOJgDW0gPI

If you would like any more information or advice on LGBTQ+ inclusivity in your practise, research or coaching contact Emily: e.m.pattinson@leeds.ac.uk