This year at Pride many people will be advocating for trans inclusion, particularly as we’ve seen hate crimes against trans people increase significantly in recent years.
In England and Wales, police recorded 858 transphobic hate crimes in 2015/2016, rising to 4,780 in 2023/2024. However, shows that up to 90% of hate crimes against the communities go unreported.
Also, the proportion of people who characterise themselves as “not at all prejudiced” against trans people has fallen from 82% to 64% since 2019 in the UK.
Physical activity in the LGBTQ+ community
Research conducted by the National LGBT Partnership looks at participation in physical activity and highlights its impact on people's health. It shows that:
- compared to 45% of women in the heterosexual population, 56% of LGBT women were not active enough to maintain good health
- the same statistic for men was 55% of LGBT men compared to 33% of heterosexual men
- 64% of LGBT+ people who identified as something other than male or female (e.g. genderfluid or genderqueer) were not active enough to maintain good health.
Dr Abby Barras’ research from March 2023 shows the impact sport can have on young trans individuals with 69% of young trans people saying that taking part in sport has improved their mental health, while 63% say that being excluded from sport has made their mental health worse and 41% say it’s made their physical health worse.
Everybody should have the right to physical activity
The need for Pride is as strong as it ever has been and the need for accessible and inclusive sporting environments is now more crucial than ever for the LGBTQ+ community.
To create LGBTQ+ inclusive physical activity environments, you must ensure the following:
- take a zero-tolerance approach to homophobia, biphobia, transphobia etc. and challenge any incidents, myths or stereotypes
- respect privacy and confidentiality, and adhere to data protection rules so that individuals feel safe
- work with the LGBTQ+ community to understand their needs and co-collaborate so there’s a sense of ‘doing with’ rather than ‘doing to’
- consider language, which includes challenging bias and microaggressions, and using individuals' correct names and affirmed pronouns
- always consider the impact of your actions/programmes on the LGBTQ+ community. Collaborating with people from within the community will help you to be inclusive of all genders and sexual orientations.
Taking action this Pride (and beyond)
Changing logos to rainbow flags may look great but is not enough.
Instead, aim to listen to LGBTQ+ communities both externally and within your organisations, ensure your policies, procedures and guidance are LGBTQ+ inclusive, consider delivering training sessions which support LGBTQ+ inclusion, check in with colleagues and partners, and show allyship.
And last, but not least, remember to celebrate success and happiness and to find positive moments, especially when times are tough.
