LGBTI* & Sport (* Lesbian, gay male, bisexual, transgender and intersexual people): a quantitative study on discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in sport across Europe

LGBTI still face discrimination and harassment in Europe (FRA, 2014). Because of its sex-segregated nature and its physical character, sport is often considered to be a particularly homophobic and/ or transphobic social environment where hegemonic masculinity and heteronormativity is produced and reinforced. In the field of sport, little research on discrimination experiences of LGBTI has been conducted – especially at a European level. The purpose of our research is to gain comprehensive insights into the experiences of discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity in a sport context. Special focus is placed on the different sports activities and settings, which are associated to certain gender specific role expectations and therefore presumed to affect prejudice and discrimination patterns.
A quantitative online survey with (former) active LGBTI athletes will be conducted across Europe in March/April 2018. To draw a comprehensive sample from our target population in all 28 EU countries, the survey will be distributed by LGBTI Organizations, superordinate Sport Organization and LGBTI-Sport Organizations from each country. The collected data will be used as the empirical basis for the OUTSPORT project which is funded by the European Union (ERASMUS+). The overall objective of this project is to develop educational approaches and strategies to tackle discrimination and prevent violence in sport based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

References
FRA - European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (2014). EU LGBT survey. European Union lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender survey. Main results. Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities.