Sport for social good or bad? Assessing the role of global sport in LGBTIQ+ inclusion

Join Pride House Birmingham for an afternoon of academic presentations and a panel discussion on current research and evidence from prominent researchers, assessing the ways in which sport is being used in positive and negative ways surrounding LGBTIQ+ people.

Moderated by Dr Ryan Storr, Swinburne University – Melbourne, Australia

Presentations from:

Dr Sheree Becker, University of Bath – Bath, England.
Gender-Inclusive Sport: an equitable vision for and of sport

This presentation will provide a gender inclusive (and equitable) vision of sport: sport that is inclusive and affirming of sex and gender minoritized people, coupled with the remaining work needed to end pervasive gender inequality in sport and its disproportionate impacts on women. Through exploring the research that demonstrates the clear benefits of inclusion in sport for trans, gender diverse, and athletes with sex variations, and drawing on the work of various women’s organizations who support inclusion, this presentation will ask: how can an inclusive approach to gender and sport generate benefits for trans and gender diverse people, and all women, including those working in/for sports organizations?

Dr Dillon Landi, Strathclyde University – Glasgow, Scotland.
Gender & Sexuality Diverse Young People in Health, Physical Activity and Education

This presentation will navigate current issues with gender and sexuality diverse young people’s experiences in health, physical activity and education. Drawing on studies that span the Antipodes, Europe and North America – the author will argue that opportunities within health and physical activity can be both empowering but also limiting for young people. Some key questions will be considered at the end of the presentation in order to explore ‘where we go from here’ to better the experiences of young people in sport and health settings.

Dr Ryan Storr, Swinburne University, Co-founder Proud2Play
Evidenced based policy and practice in sport: Advancing LGBTIQ+ inclusion in community sport – Lessons from Australia

This presentation will share findings from industry funded research from several projects exploring LGBTIQ+ participation in sport in Australia, with a particular focus on using evidence based data to drive policy and practice in a range of sports. It will conclude with a summary of current work being undertaken by Proud 2 Play, a LGBTIQ+ sport based charity in Melbourne, Australia, and how evidence and data is being used to drive positive social change for LGBTIQ+ communities.

Presentations will be followed by a panel discussion which explores the current climate for LGBTIQ+ people across all levels of sport, including topics including elite sport, trans and gender diverse athletes, and the role of mega sporting events in advancing LGBTIQ+ human rights.