One in four LGBTQ+ people do not feel welcome at live sports events

New research commissioned by Stonewall reveals that one in four LGBTQ+ individuals do not feel welcome at live sports events.

The study, conducted by market research and insight agency Opinium between January 24 and March 11 of this year, surveyed 2,000 LGBTQ+ individuals and found that many still feel unwelcome or unsafe when participating in or spectating at sporting events.

The research also shows that one in four LGBTQ+ individuals feel unwelcome in community sports groups or community team sports. Additionally, one in five people who attended a live sporting event in the past year reported feeling discriminated against due to their LGBTQ+ identity. Among black, Asian, and minority ethnic LGBTQ+ attendees, one in three reported experiencing discrimination at live sporting events.

Furthermore, one in five individuals who attended a fitness club or sports group in the past year encountered discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, according to ‘Echo News’.

This study aligns with Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, which aims to foster inclusivity in sports. This campaign, which has been active since 2013, encourages people to wear rainbow laces to show support for LGBTQ+ inclusion.

This year's campaign kicked off over the weekend with events in the Women’s Super League, Women’s Championship, and Grand Slam of Darts tournament, alongside support from the Football Association and grassroots football teams. The Premier League plans to display its support in the first week of December.

Jake Daniels, a striker for Blackpool and the only current openly gay British male player, commented on the statistics, stating that “too many” LGBTQ+ individuals still feel unwelcome in sports.

He shared his personal experience, saying: “I know first-hand what it feels like to have to hide who you are on the pitch and the impact that has on participating in the sports you love. Thanks to campaigns like Rainbow Laces, more LGBTQ+ players and fans can bring their full selves to the beautiful game and sports overall.

“While significant progress has been made over the past decade, these statistics underscore that many still feel unwelcome and unsafe in sports. In 2024, LGBTQ+ people deserve better. I’m proud to support Rainbow Laces this year, to help ensure that everyone has the chance to participate in and feel part of the sports we love.”