A study of 1,000 LGBTQ+ people found that 34% of those who attended a live sporting event experienced homophobic or transphobic abuse while sitting in the stands – an average of four times.
Four in 10 felt unwelcome because of their gender or sexual orientation.
More than half (53 percent) of those who had problems at a sporting event watched men’s soccer, 23 percent watched women’s soccer.
Cricket, swimming and tennis were also major events as LGBTQ+ adults experienced homophobic or transgender abuse.
The survey comes ahead of Sunday’s TCS London Marathon, where official motoring partner Nissan UK is creating an LGBTQ+ inclusive fun zone, providing a lively atmosphere for spectators in the ‘Rainbow’ section of the course.
Adele Roberts, Nissan UK’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Ambassadors, said: “Everyone should feel comfortable playing sports or participating in any sporting event, regardless of gender or sexuality.
The fact that nearly half of LGBTQ+ fans feel uncomfortable watching live sports in person shows why the Cheer Zone is so important.
“It was an honor to be part of the Rainbow Row marathon last year, helping to create a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community — and our allies, family and friends — and this year I look forward to running as a proud member of the community.”
It was also shown that it is not just about watching sports, as 38% of those who attended a team match experienced abuse on their part because of their sexual orientation.
Almost half (46 percent) of those who confronted them personally, but 32 percent kept silent.
After the confrontation, three-quarters of them said the abuser tried to justify his comments as a “joke”.
More than half (54 per cent) have also witnessed someone directing homophobic or transgender abuse at another person – with this happening more often in football, rugby, basketball and Formula 1.
And while 49% said the abuse was directed at those who watch sports, 23% saw players as being targeted.
Although 27% saw both groups being abused.
The poll, which was conducted via OnePoll, also showed that 45% of all LGBTQ+ adults surveyed said homophobic and transphobic “jokes” had always been a part of sports culture.
And 85% believe that sports still need to improve to include everyone, while 44% believe that it is less progressive and welcoming than society as a whole.
A study of 1,000 LGBTQ+ people found that 34% of those who attended a live sporting event experienced homophobic or transphobic abuse while sitting in the stands – an average of four times.
Four in 10 felt unwelcome because of their gender or sexual orientation.
More than half (53 percent) of those who had problems at a sporting event watched men’s soccer, 23 percent watched women’s soccer.
Cricket, swimming and tennis were also major events as LGBTQ+ adults experienced homophobic or transgender abuse.
The survey comes ahead of Sunday’s TCS London Marathon, where official motoring partner Nissan UK is creating an LGBTQ+ inclusive fun zone, providing a lively atmosphere for spectators in the ‘Rainbow’ section of the course.
Adele Roberts, Nissan UK’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Ambassadors, said: “Everyone should feel comfortable playing sports or participating in any sporting event, regardless of gender or sexuality.
The fact that nearly half of LGBTQ+ fans feel uncomfortable watching live sports in person shows why the Cheer Zone is so important.
“It was an honor to be part of the Rainbow Row marathon last year, helping to create a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community — and our allies, family and friends — and this year I look forward to running as a proud member of the community.”
It was also shown that it is not just about watching sports, as 38% of those who attended a team match experienced abuse on their part because of their sexual orientation.
Almost half (46 percent) of those who confronted them personally, but 32 percent kept silent.
After the confrontation, three-quarters of them said the abuser tried to justify his comments as a “joke”.
More than half (54 per cent) have also witnessed someone directing homophobic or transgender abuse at another person – with this happening more often in football, rugby, basketball and Formula 1.
And while 49% said the abuse was directed at those who watch sports, 23% saw players as being targeted.
Although 27% saw both groups being abused.
The poll, which was conducted via OnePoll, also showed that 45% of all LGBTQ+ adults surveyed said homophobic and transphobic “jokes” had always been a part of sports culture.
And 85% believe that sports still need to improve to include everyone, while 44% believe that it is less progressive and welcoming than society as a whole.
Agatha Christie is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, books, and current affairs. She is committed to producing accurate, informative content that helps readers stay informed about the latest developments in the UK and beyond.
