Study finds that Brits want to tackle anti-LGBT abuse at sporting events but lack the confidence to intervene

Over half of Brits want to do more to tackle derogatory anti-LGBT language at sporting events but many lack the confidence to intervene, new research has found.

The LGBT charity Stonewall published the research ahead of this year’s rainbow lace campaign that will see sports teams across the country show their support for the charity. A number of rugby players at both domestic and international level wore rainbow laces on their boots last weekend in support of former Wales international Gareth Thomas after the 44-year-old was a victim of a homophobic attack in his hometown Cardiff in early November.

The research also found there is a group of ‘hesitant allies’ that want to do more to make sport more inclusive but lack the confidence or understanding of how to achieve this.

A 2016 BBC Radio 5 live survey found that 82 per cent of football supporters would have no issue with a gay player, but eight per cent of those that responded said they would stop watching their team if they had an openly gay player.

Research conducted by nfpSynergy recently surveyed 1,000 adults and found that more than half of British people (58 per cent) believe it is important anti-LGBT language is challenged and 53 per cent agreed that everyone has a responsibility to call out derogatory abuse. However, only a quarter of people say they feel confident enough intervening when they witness it.

To increase the number of people that feel confident enough to report abuse, Stonewall suggest: wearing rainbow laces, watching your language when hurling chants or insults and to report abuse online or to a steward.

Kirsty Clarke, Stonewall’s Director of Sport, said that sport can be used as a vehicle to drive change and is something that can give gay, lesbian, bi and trans people a large amount of support. “Sport is one of our strongest tools for social change, which is why it’s so powerful to see so many people wanting to do more to support LGBT people and challenge anti-LGBT abuse in sport,” he said.

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“This year we want our Rainbow Laces campaign to give people confidence to show their visible support for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people, either on or off the pitch. Our research shows what a huge appetite there is among people to kick discrimination out of sports at all levels.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen inspiring work from many sporting associations who are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. We want more players, fans, clubs and organisations to join in and understand how they can play a part in changing attitudes and standing up for LGBT equality. Our work won’t be finished until every lesbian, gay, bi and trans person, from fans to players, are accepted without exception.”

From football to rugby and judo, sports across the country are coming together to support Stonewall’s rainbow lace campaign until Friday 7 December.