A new poll paints a sad picture of how many queer people still experience discrimination when it comes to sport and exercise, as Stonewall relaunches its Rainbow Laces campaign for the 13th year. As part of the #MoveWithPride campaign, a YouGov survey found 37 percent of LGBTQ+ respondents had faced discrimination by someone else’s behaviour, attitudes or language while exercising or trying to exercise. That’s nearly three times higher than the general population.
More than a third said their sexuality was a barrier to taking part in sport, and nearly half reported not meeting recommended exercise levels. Mental health gaps were stark too, with 76 percent of queer respondents reporting poor mental health. Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes is supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign, saying, “I believe movement and exercise should be accessible to everyone in the LGBTQ+ community.” Footballer Josh Cavallo added, “Everyone should feel like they belong in sport and exercise.”
Stonewall CEO Simon Blake said Rainbow Laces aims to ensure everyone… can move with pride. The findings echo earlier research showing many LGBTQ+ people still feel unsafe or unwelcome in sporting spaces.
