BPE122: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS

LESSON 5
LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Sport Organization and Policies

Overview
Sports should be a space for everyone, yet LGBTQ+ athletes often face discrimination and
exclusion. Ensuring inclusion isn’t just about fairness—it’s about creating safe, supportive, and
welcoming environments where all athletes can thrive. This discussion will explore the challenges
LGBTQ+ individuals face in sports and practical steps to foster equality and inclusivity in teams,
clubs, and policies.

Peace Concept
Peace in sports is achieved when every athlete, regardless of sexual orientation or gender
identity, feels valued, respected, and empowered. "Unity Through Inclusion" promotes fairness,
respect, and belonging in sports organizations by ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals are welcomed,
supported, and protected from discrimination. True inclusion means providing equal opportunities
for participation, fostering a culture of respect, and creating safe spaces where all athletes can
thrive.

Learning Outcome
At the end of the lesson, students are expected to:
a. illustrate the LGBTQ Inclusion in Sport Organization and Policies;
b. appreciate the ways to foster equality and inclusivity among LGBTQ+ members; and
c. reflect on LGBTQ+ members personal experiences.

Materials Needed: Laptop, projector, presentation, module

Duration: 1.5 hrs

Learning Content
LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport has been contentious, but LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, and
for sport to be an inclusive space, it is imperative that LGBTQ+ policies and procedures are
institutionalized in grassroots and elite sport.
Sport is not only a male-dominated field, but also inherently masculine, with overt focus on
performance, competition, and excellence. The performance-oriented approach leads to the
internalization of certain behaviors and roles which are deemed necessary for one’s survival in
sport. Examples of such behaviors include suppression of emotions, normalizing humiliation by
peers and coaches, and encouraging aggression or even violence. These behaviors create
negative experiences for those participating in sports, who often end up perpetuating these
restrictive norms.
Due to the dominance of this hyper-masculine perception of sport, it becomes an exclusive
and limited space. Due to this, homophobia is a widely present phenomenon within sports, making
it challenging for the LGBTQ+ community to participate in as well as access sports. The burdens
and pressures of adhering to gender stereotypes in sports often pushes away members of the
LGBTQ+ community to participate. For those who do choose to participate, they usually do not
openly express themselves, due to the fear of bullying or exclusion, or are at the receiving end of
discrimination.

1
BPE122: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS
Why does sport and development need to focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion?
 Breaking down barriers: Sports have traditionally been spaces where discrimination and
exclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals have been prevalent. By focusing on inclusion, we can break
down these barriers, creating a more open and accepting environment for all athletes.
 Promoting mental and physical health: Inclusion in sports helps reduce the stigma
surrounding LGBTQ+ individuals, improving their mental and physical health. It provides them
with an opportunity to engage in social activities, build connections, and enhance overall well-
being.
 Developing leadership skills and empowerment: LGBTQ+ individuals who participate in
sports benefit from leadership opportunities, team-building skills, and the development of self-
confidence. This empowerment extends beyond the sports field and can contribute to success
in other areas of life.
 Setting a global standard for inclusivity: Promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports can set a
global example for other sectors, encouraging respect for diversity and equality in all areas of
society.

Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in sports

Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in sport is rampant, existing in the form of
physical and emotional abuse, bullying, threats of violence and peer pressure. A global study
found that 80% of the participants believed that the LGBTQ+ community is ‘not at all accepted’ or
only ‘accepted a little’ in sports, while 90% of the LGBTQ+ people feel that homophobia and
transphobia are major problems in sports. Thus, sport has been an unsafe space for the LGBTQ+
community.
Different stakeholders involved in sports, including coaches, peers, spectators, as well as
sport federations, are also responsible for creating a culture of homophobia. Locker rooms and
changing rooms often become breeding grounds for the bullying and harassment for the LGBTQ+
persons, which is where peers and mates are involved. Coaches often use homophobic slurs to
pressure and humiliate players.
Through discriminatory and exclusionary policies, sport academies and federations also tend to
add to the barriers to community’s participation in sports.
The transgender community faces the harshest brunt of discrimination, as sport is usually
segregated between men and women. Trans athletes are barred from participating with the gender
they associate with, which is a rejection of their identity. At international competitive levels, many
federations do not allow trans women to participate in the women’s category, as they are said to
have competitive advantage over other participants. Recently, the International Swimming
Federation (FINA), voted against trans women’s participation in competitions. Trans inclusion in
sport, thus, seems far from reality.

Inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in sports

The sixth principle of the International Olympics Charter states that rights and freedoms laid
out by the Olympic Charter will be secured regardless of the individual’s race, sex, sexual
orientation, religion or political opinion. The IOC has also attempted to integrate diversity and
inclusion in the planning and delivery of the Olympic Games through the inclusion of sexual
orientation in the non-discriminatory clause of the host city contract, wherein host cities are bound
to abide by the principles and values enshrined by the Charter.
More recently, the IOC replaced its controversial policy on transgender and intersex
athletes, which required them to undergo a medical treatment if they did not meet the desired level
2
BPE122: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS
of testesterone. The updated policy states that athletes will no longer be mandated to undergo
‘unnecessary’ medical surgeries to participate, but are subjected to the guidelines of their sport’s
federations.
This can include clauses on anti-bullying, a ban on transphobic and homophobic language,
and the provision of equal opportunities for all, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, at
all levels of sport.

Some of the ways that women experience homophobia:

Women who participate in traditionally feminine sports and are suspected of being lesbian
are often singled out of other players. Women will avoid traditionally masculine sports such as
hockey because those who play are accused of being a lesbian. This label prevents many women
from participating in these sports because they do not want that label. When a female athlete
competes with traditionally masculine characteristics (strength, for example), we assume they are
lesbians

Some of the ways that men experience homophobia:

Male locker rooms are often an extremely homophoic space. Male athletes have to
consider their actions carefully to not appear “too gay” and offend teammates.The male locker
room culture and “locker room talk” is both sexist and homophobic. Being beaten by a gay athlete
is used sometimes to insult someone. Because you were beaten by someone who is not seen to
be as masculine as you

Some of the ways that transphobia is experienced in sports:

The motives of trans women athletes who wish to participate in sport in the gender in which
they identify are often questioned. Lingering misbelief that they are not really “women” Assumption
that trans women will have an unfair competitive advantage.

How do we make our teams and clubs more inclusive and welcoming?
Here are some tips for making your team or club more inclusive for LGBTQ+ peoples:
 Learn the preferred names and pronouns of the athlete. All individuals have the right to go
by the name and pronouns they choose.
 Use gender neutral language such as “hello everyone” instead of “hello boys and girls” or
“hey guys”
 Avoid “boys' vs girls'” activities (e.g. relays during practice or team building exercises). Get
athletes to divide up based on other criteria (example: divide into two groups, one group
has birthdays between January-June and the second July-December). This is a huge one
because sports are so segregated into boys and girls, and often they want to do “battle of
the sexes”
 Increase the visibility of LGBTQ athletes and coaches by inviting them to speak to your
team.
 Have policies that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender
identity.
 Every locker room should have private enclosed changing areas, showers, and toilets
available for everyone.
 If you have a team uniform or dress code, ensure that it respects an individual’s gender
identity and gender expression.

3
BPE122: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS
 Trans athletes should be allowed to compete on the team that matches their gender
identity.
 When travelling, trans athletes generally should be assigned to share hotel rooms based on
their gender identity, with a recognition that any athlete who needs extra privacy should be
accommodated wherever possible
 Policies: Sport federations and other sport-based organizations must have strict policies on
respecting the LGBTQ+ community. This can include clauses on anti-bullying, a ban on
transphobic and homophobic language, and the provision of equal opportunities for all,
including members of the LGBTQ+ community, at all levels of sport.
 Positive masculinity: It is important that everyone, in grassroots and elite sport,
challenges the dominant, masculine perceptions of sport. Using sport as a space to share
emotions and feelings can be one way of doing that. Sport could also be utilized to
challenge gender stereotypes as well, making sport more welcoming for the LGBTQ+
community.
 Making allies: Given the heteronormative world we live in, stakeholders in sport do not
usually have LGBTQ+ friendly attitudes, making it necessary to educate and sensitize them
on issues pertaining to the community. Parents, peers, coaches and spectators, should be
educated on the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, sharing a space with members of the
community, using the right language and creating a supportive environment for them.
 Gender-neutral sporting infrastructure: The existing sporting infrastructure is mostly
binary and ignores the existence of non-binary and trans identities. Sport-related spaces
like stadiums and fields should have gender neutral changing rooms or restrooms.

How do we make our teams and clubs more inclusive and welcoming?
 Create clear, non-discriminatory policies: Teams and clubs should have explicit, written
policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and
gender identity. These policies should be communicated regularly to all members and
enforced strictly.
 Educate staff, players, and volunteers: Providing training and awareness programs on
LGBTQ+ issues is key. These can help teams and clubs understand the challenges faced
by LGBTQ+ individuals and teach them how to be more inclusive and respectful.
 Promote inclusive language: Encourage the use of gender-neutral language and correct
pronouns when referring to others. This helps create a more welcoming and affirming
environment for everyone, regardless of their gender identity.
 Offer support networks: Provide access to counseling or support services for LGBTQ+
athletes who may face challenges within the sports community. This can help them
navigate any issues related to discrimination, exclusion, or bullying.
 Celebrate diversity: Organize events or awareness campaigns that celebrate LGBTQ+
athletes and their contributions to the sports world. This not only fosters a positive
atmosphere but also sends a message of inclusivity to the wider community.

Tips for making your team or club more inclusive for LGBTQ+ people:
 Encourage openness and respect: Foster a culture of openness where everyone feels
comfortable being themselves. Encourage team members to share their identities and
respect each other's differences.
 Be mindful of team dynamics: Ensure that all team activities, from practice sessions to
social events, are inclusive and supportive. Avoid making assumptions about anyone's
gender identity or sexual orientation.

4
BPE122: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS
 Support LGBTQ+ events and initiatives: Attend or sponsor LGBTQ+ events, such as Pride
Parades, to show solidarity. This can help promote a sense of community and give
athletes the opportunity to connect with others in the LGBTQ+ sports world.
 Create a safe space: Ensure that your team or club is a safe space where individuals feel
protected from discrimination or harassment. This includes providing clear procedures for
reporting incidents and ensuring that any complaints are handled seriously.
 Have role models: Celebrate LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches, and officials as role models who
show that it is possible to succeed in sports regardless of sexual orientation or gender
identity. Representation matters.

By implementing these strategies, teams and clubs can become more inclusive and
welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals, helping to break down the barriers that have
historically marginalized them in the world of sports.

Learning Activity
DOCUMENTARY FILM VIEWING
Instructions: A documentary film about the personal experience of an LGBTQ+ athlete is
presented to the class. Students need to watch attentively. They are required to give their
reflection about what they have watched using the following guided question:
1. How do you think the inclusion of LGBTQ+ athletes in sports challenges or supports your
understanding of fairness and equality in competition?
2. How can individuals and communities in sports advocate for and support LGBTQ+ athletes
who are fighting for their rights?
3. Have your views on LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports changed after watching this video? Why or
why not?

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo0Xvp3f0ZM

Learning Evaluation
Instructions: Using a graphic organizer, illustrate the LGBTQ Inclusion in Sport Organization and
Policies.

Rubric for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Sports Organization and Policies Graphic Organizer

Needs
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Satisfactory (2)
Improvement (1)
All key elements of
LGBTQ+ inclusion in Most key elements Few or no key
Some key elements
Content sports are correctly are included but elements are
are missing or
Accuracy represented with may lack some accurately
unclear.
clear definitions and specific details. represented.
examples.
Information is
The organizer is The organizer is The organizer is
organized logically,
Clarity & mostly clear, with somewhat unclear or
with easy-to-follow
Organization minor organization disorganized, making confusing to
connections between
issues. it hard to follow. navigate.
elements.
The design is clean
The design is
and visually The design is simple,
visually engaging, The design lacks
appealing, but may with minimal
Visual Appeal with a balanced color clarity, is cluttered,
have minor issues attention to visual
scheme and effective or hard to read.
in spacing or color appeal.
use of space.
use.
5
BPE122: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS
Needs
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Satisfactory (2)
Improvement (1)
The graphic
The organizer
organizer shows a The organizer is The organizer shows
lacks creativity or
Creativity high level of creative but follows some creativity but is
is very basic in
creativity and basic structures. fairly conventional.
design.
originality.
Each key element is Key elements are
thoroughly explained mostly explained, Some key elements Key elements are
Use of
with examples or but some are underdeveloped not explained or
Relevant
evidence, and the connections or or lack supporting supported with
Information
connections are examples may be examples. examples.
clearly made. missing.

References
International Olympic Committee. (2020). IOC Consensus on inclusion of LGBTQ+ athletes. International
Olympic Committee. https://olympics.com/ioc/lgbtq

Shaw, S. (2019). LGBTQ+ athletes and the challenges of discrimination in sport. Sport, Social Justice &
Inclusion Journal, 10(3), 215-228. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701914.2019.1621535

FINA. (2022). FINA's position on the inclusion of transgender women in elite swimming competitions. FINA.
https://www.fina.org/news/fina-transgender-athletes-policy

Human Rights Campaign (HRC). (2020). LGBTQ inclusion in sports: A human rights approach.
https://www.hrc.org/resources/lgbtq-inclusion-in-sports

Klein, S., & Choi, J. (2018). Gendered experiences of homophobia in competitive sports. Journal of Sport &
Gender Studies, 7(1), 32-47. https://doi.org/10.1111/jssgs.12135

United Nations. (2021). Creating inclusive sports environments for LGBTQ+ individuals: Best practices. United
Nations. https://www.un.org/sports/lgbtq-best-practices