80% of athletes have encountered homophobia in sport

80% of athletes and spectators have encountered or experienced homophobia in sport, according to the results of a new survey.

2,500 players and fans took part in the ‘Out on the Fields’ study , which aimed to shed light on the prevalence of homophobia both in the UK and other countries like the United States and Australia.

The most common form of homophobia reported by respondents was verbal abuse, including terms like “fag”, “dyke” and “poofter”.

84% of LGB respondents reported hearing such verbal slurs, while 74% of heterosexuals reported the same.

Meanwhile, 50% of homosexuals reported being the victim of homophobic abuse, while 25% heterosexuals in sport have also been targeted.

64% of the LGB respondents agreed or strongly agreed that homophobia, in various forms, is more common in team sporting environments, while 47% of heterosexuals agreed.

Dr Caroline Symons from Victoria University, who worked on the study, said: “The big message is there’s still a lot we need to do in sport to make it more inclusive of gender and sexual diversity.”

Retired rugby player Gareth Thomas – who came out as gay in 2009 – was one of the many professional athletes who supported the study, and encouraged people to come forward with their experiences.

For more details about the survey, visit outonthefields.com.

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