LGBT survey displays great desire to challenge homophobic language at sporting events

A survey has shown that more than half of British people believe it is important to tackle anti-LGBT language at sports events. However, the survey also showed that only a quarter were willing to take action.

More than 1,000 adults were surveyed by LGBT charity Stonewall. The organisation said: “Sport is one of our strongest tools for social change.”

According to statistics from Kick It Out, reports of homophobic or transphobic abuse in football have risen 9% in the last year. The 2016-17 season saw 102 cases reported, compared to 111 in 2017-18.

Stonewall’s director of sport Kirsty Clarke emphasised the need and want to support LGBT initiatives and those in the LGBT community. She said, “That’s why it’s so powerful to see so many people wanting to do more to support the LGBT people and challenge the anti-LGBT abuse in sport.”

Clarke also praised the Rainbow Laces campaign for helping to raise awareness. The initiative will run until 7 December and will be featured heavily during Premier League fixtures this weekend.

To date, only former Leeds United player Robbie Rogers is the only openly gay player to have played for a team when he came out of retirement in 2013 to join LA Galaxy. Although it was not until his retirement originally that Rogers came out as a gay man.

Clarke feels football is “more inclusive” but stresses that “there is lots still to do”.