Hundreds of sports organisers, policymakers and community
activists came together at the Oval yesterday, to make plans for
LGBT History Month, in February 2012.
The event, in its seventh year, is now firmly established as a
major event in the calendar. For the second year running, the theme
is sport and the organisers hope to make the Olympic year a turning
point. Co chair Tony Fenwick commented:
"We are confident that LGBT History Month 2012 will prove to be
equally as successful and we will see even greater strides in the
visibility and safety of LGBT people in sport in the coming
year."
Throughout the day, participants attended a series of workshops on
LGBT inclusion in sport. Equalities minister Lynne Featherstone
reaffirmed the government's commitment to LGBT equality and
highlighted the success of the Charter for Action, which is now
supported by over 30 different sports.
The evening programme saw BBC commentator Bob Ballard and comedian
Rosie Wilby compering a series of presentations from sports
organisers and community activists.
In February 2011, over 1000 events were posted on the History
Month website calendar. Traditionally, most events are organised by
LGBT community groups, but many sports bodies are starting to join
in. Co chair Sue Sanders commented:
"We are particularly proud of an initiative of Sheffield Eagles
Rugby League Club, who made history by becoming the first
professional team to wear an anti homophobic message on their
kit."
The organisers are working with Pride Sports to challenge
homophobia in sport and increase participation in sport by LGBT
people. Director Lou Englefield commented:
"We believe that attitudes in sport still haven't caught up with
recent legislative advances. Our partnership with LGBT History
Month has highlighted the exclusion faced by many LGBT people in
sport and provided a focus for sports organizations to take action
during February to challenge homophobia and transphobia. Let's
create a lasting legacy for LGBT engagement in sport."
