New initiative against homophobia in Scottish sport

New initiative against homophobia in Scottish sportA major initiative has been launched today against homophobia in Scottish sport to mark international Football vs Homophobia Week.

Out for Sport is being run by the Equality Network, a charity working for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality and human rights in Scotland.

The charity has won lottery funding to produce the biggest research to date on homophobia and transphobia in Scottish sport, including a nation-wide survey launched today at: www.outforsport.org.uk

The results of the research will inform a series of recommendations to the Scottish Government and sports bodies intended to stamp out prejudice, lift barriers and encourage greater sports participation amongst LGBT people.

Scott Cuthbertson, Community Development Coordinator for the Equality Network, said; â??For too long homophobia and transphobia has been allowed to plague Scottish sport, with prejudice and discrimination too often left unchallenged. This will be Scotlandâ??s biggest research to date on homophobia and transphobia in sport.

With all eyes on Scottish sport in the lead up to the Olympics and Glasgow Commonwealth games, now is the right time to ensure sport is fully inclusive to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.�

The Equality Network will be working with LEAP Sports Scotland a national organisation established in 2011 to support LGBT sporting groups. The launch of Out for Sport has been welcomed by LEAP (Leadership, Equality and Active Participation) Sports Scotland.

Hugh Torrance, Chair of LEAP Sports Scotland, said; â??LGBT people report to us that homophobic and transphobic attitudes, and institutional discrimination, are the biggest barriers to their inclusion in sports.  This commonly begins in PE at school, and pervades at all levels. As LEAP Sports Scotland will be working to ensure that there is a positive legacy for LGBT people from the 2014 Commonwealth Games, we welcome Out for Sport as an initiative to help lift this barrier and encourage participation.â?

 

The Equality Network is encouraging people to respond to the Out for Sport survey and share their opinions on homophobia and transphobia in sport: http://www.outforsport.org.uk

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