One in three LGBTQ+ adults have faced abuse at a live sporting event

Nearly half of LGBTQ+ adults in the UK feel uncomfortable watching live sporting events in person – because of homophobia or transphobia, a study claims. The poll of 1,000 people from the LGBTQ+ community found 34 percent of those who have attended a live sports event have experienced abuse while sitting in the stands – an average of four times.

And four in ten have felt unwelcome due to their gender or sexuality.

More than half (53 percent) of those who experienced problems at a sporting event were watching men’s football, with 23 percent at women’s football.

Cricket, swimming, and tennis were also key events where LGBTQ+ adults have experienced homophobic or transphobic abuse.

The research comes ahead of the TCS London Marathon on Sunday – where official automotive partner, Nissan UK, 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: “Everyone should be comfortable to play sport or attend any sporting event, whatever their gender or sexuality.

“The fact that nearly half of LGBTQ+ fans feel uncomfortable watching live sport in person shows why the Cheer Zone is so important.

“It was an honour to be a part of Rainbow Row at last year’s marathon, helping to create an inclusive safe space for the LGBTQ+ community – and our allies, family, and friends – and this year I’m looking forward to running as a proud member of the community.”

It also emerged it’s not just when watching a sport, though – as 38 percent of those who have taken part in a team game have encountered abuse from their own side because of their sexuality.

Nearly half (46 percent) of those confronted them personally – but 32 percent stayed quiet.

After being confronted, three-quarters said the abuser tried to justify their comments as “banter”.

More than half (54 percent) have also witnessed someone directing homophobic or transphobic abuse at another person – with this occurring most in football, rugby, basketball, and Formula 1.

And while 49 percent said the abuse was directed at those watching the sport, 23 percent saw the players targeted – although 27 percent saw both groups abused.

The research, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed 45 percent of all LGBTQ+ adults polled claimed homophobic or transphobic “banter” has always been part of sporting culture.

And as a result, 85 percent feel sport still needs to be improved to be inclusive to everyone – with 44 percent believing it is less progressive and accepting than society as a whole.

Source: Read Full Article