Dec 02, 2019 09:24 AM EST By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

The overarching aim of the Europe-wide joint project was to develop strategies and training measures in the field of sport in order to counter discrimination and violence related to sexual orientation or gender identity. Participation in sport at all levels should be made easier for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender persons and intersexuals. In the first study, an online survey was used in which more than 5,500 LGBTI* from all 28 EU states were asked about their experiences in sport. In the second study, representatives of 15 sports associations, sports federations and umbrella organisations from the five project countries were interviewed about their strategies for combating homo-/transphobic discrimination in sport.

The overwhelming majority of respondents perceive homophobia and transphobia to be a problem in sport; homophobic and transphobic language is widespread, especially in team sports. As a result, one third of those active in sport conceal their sexual orientation or gender identity within the context of their sporting activities. More than a third of those questioned were unable to name a single organisation or individual they could contact in the event of a negative experience or incidence. "Discrimination against LGBTI* is a problem facing society as a whole," says Professor Ilse Hartmann-Tews, Director of Studies at the German Sports University, "which is why each one of us should feel responsible for creating a culture of respect." In the area of organised sport, the study recommends an open and proactive attitude towards questions of sexual and gender diversity on the part of all men and women active at every level of clubs, associations and sports federations.

The collaboration of five European project countries has lasted three years and will end on 31 December. Results were presented and discussed at various levels, including the final conference of OUTSPORT held in Budapest, an international conference on the situation of LGBTI* in sport in Barcelona, the sports committee of the NRW state parliament in Düsseldorf and the Federal Network Conference of Queer Sports Clubs (BuNT) in Hamburg.

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