“History Of Homophobia” In Sports Needs To Be Addressed
Alarming statistics show Australian gay and lesbian sports players are more than 75% more likely to remain in the closet out of fear. Beau Newell, the national program manager of Pride In Sport Australia, said sporting institutions from social clubs right through to the professional leagues need to focus on inclusion. Mr Newell said research revealed that 75% of Australia believes an LGBTQI person would not be safe as a spectator at a sports game. “We know that 87% of gay men and 75% of lesbians remain completely or partially in the closet while playing youth sport in Australia,” Newell added. “The reason for that is many fear discrimination from coaches, other players, and officials. “That’s compared to 55% of people in the workplace