New research shows fans majority support LGBTQ athletes in UK

 

According to new research from Stonewall, a majority of sports fans now support LGBTQ athletes in the UK.

The research shines a light on the transformative impact of the iconic Rainbow Laces campaign. Over the last five years, the proportion of sport fans who think homophobic remarks in sport are acceptable has almost halved - from 25% in 2017 to 14% in 2022. 

The research found that 51% of people polled would be proud if their favorite player came out as gay. 56% agreed that gay sportspeople are good role models, and 60% would be happy to play alongside a trans teammate. Also, 74% of people would be happy to play with a bisexual teammate.

Despite this progress, the research also shows that sport fans are not confident that competitive sport is a welcoming environment for LGBTQ sport personalities. Just 4 in 10 sport fans think competitive sport is welcoming for LGB people, and just 3 in 10 fans think competitive sport is welcoming for trans sport personalities.

The campaign is encouraging people to continue to lace up, speak up and keep it up. We need everyone to push for change year-round. because inclusion has no off season.

Lace up and and #KeepItUp!