Homophobia and Transphobia in Sport Research Hub
This website was created to share links to the original Out on the Fields study, the 5-year progress report, and other quality research to support teaching, research, program development, and advocacy.
Did you know?
There is 50 years of research into homophobia and transphobia in sport (see timeline).
The International Olympic Committee’s panel of scientists recently reviewed this research, for the third time since 2007. They again concluded LGBTQ child and adult athletes have a uniquely “high risk” of experiencing psychological, physical, and sexual abuse in sport.
Being the target of homophobic language, or even being exposed to this language in sport, increases the likelihood that LGBTQ young people will self-harm, attempt suicide, or experience depression and anxiety. The frequent use of this language is also a key participation deterrent.
The good news
We now have evidence-based solutions which appear to help reduce homophobic and transphobic behaviors and improve attitudes toward LGBTQ people. More research is needed, but initial results are promising.
LGBTQ Athletes have a uniquely high-risk of experiencing
physical and psychological abuse in sport
IOC Consensus Statement 2019
RESEARCH TOPICS
Sport participation statistics, impact on mental and physical health, harm from PE classes
Frequency and forms of discrimination and exclusion over time.
Research which has examined the underlying factors supporting discrimination
Evidence-based approaches to drive change, policies, links to key charities & organisations
Research News
Thirty studies provide strong evidence of need for action
More than 30 studies have found sport organisations and governments largely ignore discrimination...
Why Israel Folau’s comments are harmful
Major clothing brands pay athletes and sports billions of dollars because they know that...
Gay boys play team sports at half the rate of their peers
Public health officials and scholars call for urgent action to address large disparities in sport...
Half of male athletes have recently used homophobic slurs
Studies conducted on three continents and in different sports find most male athletes have also...
50 years of research: girls still avoid sport due to lesbian stigma
Most female rugby players in the UK and Canada say people automatically assume they are lesbians...
Little meaningful action following commitments by sport leaders
Two papers published in the top sport industry scientific journal report little meaningful action...