Thread by @jessnzwls

As part of a Public Health Masters, I’ve spent 12 months exploring evidence related to sociocultural barriers faced by lgbtqi+ people when participating in community sport. My critical review was submitted last month. Here’s a 🧵on practical things I thought it useful to share..

1/ There are many brilliant people, including academics in this space who will know much of this already. Many of you are now my role models! Too many to name but thank you @DrRyanStorr @LindsayDuncan9 @sscherrick for your work in this area so far!

2/ There is lots to cover, including needing to be nuanced in approach. There’s also a lot not touched on below - for obvious and, not so obvious reasons. I did this is in my personal capacity - worth stressing these are my views and interpretation of insight.

3/ I explored what appear to be 5 common themes to related to sociocultural barriers at community level: discrimination; lack of visibility; the institution/identity of sport; personal factors and the impact of early experiences.

4/ There’s much to say on each of these (15,000 words was a tough ask), but broadly they all relate to the deeply rooted notion of preserving heteronormativity, and/or cis masculine scaffolding within society. More on that as part of PhD one day, maybe.

5/ To be of use here, when addressing the barriers to community sport it is useful to think about: the ongoing celebration of visibility, not just during pride days like #IDAHOBIT - all year. Allyship - magnifying the voices of others, not our own. And, varied forms of advocacy.

6/ Anti discrimination polices - making them visible. Changing rooms - tell people what the deal is beforehand, and make an effort to create private cubicles. Self disclosure - if the box on the form isn’t needed, don’t have it. Or, have it, but tell people it’s up to them.

7/ Clothing. Overemphasise it doesn’t need to be ‘sporty.’ Be creative with categorisation - skill and experience are two ideas. Utilise qualitative research. For many lgbtqi+ people, it won’t be sport, it’ll be walking to the bus stop alone.

8/ Be sensitive around the fact that ‘coming out’ is lifelong. Consider that early experiences matter - sportiness at school, the impact of locker room banter, horrible netball skirts - or not being ‘allowed’ to wear a skirt, these become our blueprint.

9/ Role models and leaders - champion them. We have seen how important this is this week. Ask/use pronouns. Understand that lgbtqi+ offers are really important. They are a symbol of safety, opportunity, hope, and loads and loads of fun. Be specific and provide them if you can.

10/ Recognise this isn’t all just about sexual or gender diversity. Sport, and sports have identities too. This fascinates me! Consider the assumption we make about what it means to be an ‘athlete’ to start with. Great project here - coffee with anyone who wants to chat about it.

11/ Intersectionality - fundamental and non-negotiable. Thats all that should be said on this one.

12/ And finally - sport itself. If point 10 speaks to identity - this speaks to celebration. What a brilliant thing sport is. It can help to create a community, aid longevity, build pride, self esteem and SO MUCH MORE.

13/ There’s a way to go, but we’re on the way. The end. For now.