How to support the LGBTQ+ sports community during Pride Month

As June unfolds, we are thrilled to celebrate Pride Month across the UK.  This is a time to honour the LGBTQ+ community, reflect on the progress made towards equality, and recognise the work that still needs to be done.  This month is filled with vibrant events, important discussions, and a renewed commitment to ensuring everyone can live authentically and without fear.
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Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Riots of June 1969 in New York City, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. In the UK, Pride events have been celebrated since the early 1970s, with the first official UK Gay Pride Rally taking place in London in 1972. Today, Pride events are held in cities and towns across the country, symbolising solidarity, love, and resilience.

Supporting the LGBTQ+ community in sports during Pride Month in the UK involves both participation and advocacy. Here are some actionable ways to show your support:

1. Attend and Promote Inclusive Sporting Events

Local Matches and Tournaments:

• Attend games and events organized by LGBTQ+ sports clubs and organisations. Show your support by being present and cheering for the athletes.

Promote Events:

• Use your social media platforms to promote inclusive sporting events, helping to raise awareness and increase attendance.

2. Support LGBTQ+ Sports Clubs and Organisations

Volunteer:

• Offer your time and skills to help with events, coaching, or administrative tasks.

Donate:

• Contribute financially to LGBTQ+ sports organisations and clubs. Your donations can help with equipment, facilities, and outreach programs.

3. Advocate for Inclusive Policies

Workplace and School:

• Advocate for inclusive policies in your workplace or school sports programs. Ensure that non-discrimination policies are in place and actively enforced.

Professional Sports:

• Support campaigns and initiatives that push for more inclusive policies in professional sports and associations.

4. Highlight LGBTQ+ Athletes

Share Stories:

• Use your platforms to share the stories of LGBTQ+ athletes, celebrating their achievements and highlighting their contributions to sports.

Recognize Success:

• Celebrate and publicise the achievements of LGBTQ+ athletes and teams, both within and outside your community. Recognising their success can inspire others and promote a positive image of inclusivity in sports.

Invite Speakers:

• Organise events where LGBTQ+ athletes can share their experiences. This can help to inspire others and promote greater understanding.

5. Participate in Pride-Themed Sports Events

Pride Runs and Games:

• Join or support Pride-themed sporting events such as Pride runs, football matches, or other sports tournaments that promote inclusivity.

Organise Events:

• If possible, help organize local Pride sports events, bringing together diverse communities to celebrate inclusivity in sports.

6. Wear Your Support

Pride Merchandise:

• Wear rainbow-themed or LGBTQ+ supportive sports gear during Pride Month. This can include wristbands, shoelaces, or jerseys that show your solidarity.

Team Colors:

• Encourage your local sports teams to wear Pride colours or display the Pride flag during their games and events in June.

7. Create Safe Spaces

Inclusive Teams:

• If you’re involved in organising sports teams, create and maintain inclusive environments where all athletes feel welcome and respected.

Training and Education:

• Provide training for coaches and team members on LGBTQ+ inclusivity and sensitivity. Understanding and addressing issues of discrimination can help create a safer environment for all.

8. Use Your Voice

Speak Up:

• Challenge homophobic, transphobic, or discriminatory comments and behaviors in sports settings. Being an active ally means standing up against intolerance.

Promote Equality:

• Advocate for equality in sports by supporting petitions, campaigns, and policies that aim to make sports more inclusive for everyone.

9. Support LGBTQ+ Sports Media

Follow and Share:

• Follow LGBTQ+ sports media outlets and share their content. This can help amplify their reach and support their work in highlighting LGBTQ+ issues in sports.

Create Content:

• If you create content, consider featuring LGBTQ+ sports stories and issues on your blog, podcast, or social media channels.

10. Edcuate Yourself and Others!

• Take the Accelerate Sport LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Sport eLearning course, created in partnership with Racing Pride, and learn how to make your sport a welcoming and supportive place for all.
• Accelerate Sport are offering a 25% discount code on the course for the whole of June for Pride Month – access the course for just £15 instead of £20 per licence. Enter the code PRIDEMONTH25 at the checkout.

By actively supporting the LGBTQ+ community in sports during Pride Month, you can help foster an environment where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can enjoy and excel in sports.

Being an ally is a continuous journey of learning, support, and advocacy. By taking these steps, you can contribute to a more inclusive, understanding, and equitable society for all.

Happy Pride Month!