A NATIONAL Union of Students survey has found that homophobic attitudes are a barrier to some LGBT students taking part in sports.
The report “Out in Sport” revealed that only a third (34.6%) of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual students take part in organised team sports in universities and colleges across Britain.

One in seven said that homophobia, biphobia, or transphobia had put them off participating in sport.

Almost half of LGBT students who do not take part said they found the culture around sport alienating or unwelcoming.

A Swansea University student, who did not want to be named, spoke to The Waterfront about his time in one of the sport teams: “When I played sport here at Swansea I felt I had to hide my sexuality in order to take part, something I regret doing as I’ve never felt ashamed of my sexuality.

“When I did come out, there were mild jibes and banter which was harmless, but often it could cross the line. It can be difficult when being in sport [as to] what is just team banter and what is discrimination.

“I think that LGBT people playing sport is yet to be publicly discussed here at Swansea. It is this lack of knowledge that leads to homophobia within sport, masked by banter.”

However, another Swansea University LGBT student, who is a member of the squash team, said that she was happy with her experience.

She said that there were “no homophobic comments the whole time”. She also stated that she was “a lot more comfortable here than in Nottingham where I’m from”.

She added: “You’re there because of the sport, not because of who you are. You’re there because of what you’re good at.”

The NUS report found the most popular suggestion for improving inclusion of LGBT students in sport was to tackle the wider issue of homophobia/biphobia/transphobia in schools (48.3%).

Some 41.9 per cent of those surveyed had a negative experience at school which meant that they didn’t want to get involved at college or university.

Imogen Stanley, Swansea University students’ union sports officer, said: “The students’ union has a Zero Tolerance policy to sexual harassment and discrimination which includes homophobia, and all our sports teams are expected to follow this policy.

“I believe there is no place for homophobia in society including sport and everyone has the right to play sport at any level.

“If any homophobic incidents are reported they would be dealt with immediately. We take the issue of homophobia extremely seriously and would want to stamp out this kind of behaviour as soon as it occurs.”

Becki Warrillow, the students’ union’s women’s officer, added: “Homophobia is taken very seriously within the students’ union. If we hear of any complaints or incidents they will be dealt with in a confidential manner.”

The NUS report was welcomed by Gareth Thomas, former Wales rugby union captain, who made the news in 2009 when he became the first British professional male rugby player who was openly gay.

He said: “NUS Out in Sport project is truly ground breaking and I am delighted to support it. Attitudes have changed and the time is right for sport to start accepting openly gay people in the same way other areas of society have in recent years.”

Imogen Stanley added: “The students’ union and myself support any campaign that will have a positive effect on sport.”

•You can read the full report here