Inclusive sport for parents
Safe Sport is about optimizing the sport experience for everyone involved in sport. The focus is often on athletes, but parents can also have negative experiences in their children’s sport environments. Inclusive language, behaviours and program design can help youth sport organizations to create positive, inclusive spaces for LGBTQI2S parents and participants.
2021 year in review: How SIRC embraced the “new normal”
After 2020 surprised us all with a global pandemic, many of us looked to 2021 with hope for a gradual return to our pre-pandemic “normal.” And with the widespread rollout and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines across the country, the activities that we put on hold as the pandemic unfolded, from social gatherings to travel, began…
LGBTQI2S inclusion
Young adults who identify as LGBTQI2S are “game to play” sports, but frequently report experiences of discrimination and exclusion. Sport programs that are not based around biological sex or gender, but rather provide inclusive and affirming spaces that celebrate diversity, have strict zero-tolerance approaches to homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, and emphasize fun help to create…
Gender-neutral language
Using gender-neutral language throughout policies, procedures, and communications is one way for sport organizations to be more inclusive of LGBTQI2S people and communities. Phrases like, “he or she” or “both genders,” can easily be updated to “they/them/their” and “all genders” to become more inclusive.
The Operationalizing Intersectionality Framework
The Operationalizing Intersectionality (OI) Framework provides guidance for putting intersectional approaches into practice. Visualized as a wheel, the OI Framework identifies four points of traction: (1) Learning, (2) Harm Reduction, (3) Accountability & Transparency, and (4) Transformation. Learn about how you can apply these concepts to improve programs, policies, and spaces in the SIRC blog.
LGBTQI2S inclusion
The effects of COVID-19 are significantly impacting the physical and mental health of the LGBTQI2S community. For sport organizations, participating in LGBTQI2S inclusive training opportunities, using gender-neutral language in policies and communications, and creating sanctions for anti-LGBTQI2S behaviour are just a few ways to be more inclusive of LGBTQI2S people and communities both now and when we return…
Egale’s 2021 Guide to International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia for Sports Organizations
Sport communities across Canada and the world have experienced a year like no other. Lockdown and isolation have left all of us eager to begin playing and training again. Now, more than ever, we understand how sport serves as a tool to bring communities together to support physical and mental health outcomes (Eime et al.,…
The role of LGBT-focused sport group involvement in reducing minority stress
Project Summary OBJECTIVES Sexual minority identity (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans; LGBT) is largely stigmatized and stigmatization has been linked to detrimental mental and physical health outcomes. Sexual minority individuals are often motivated to conceal their identities to protect themselves from rejection but this concealment comes with the costs of anxiety about disclosure and preoccupation…
Inclusion Must Be Intentional
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “inclusion” is the action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure. True inclusion involves authentic and empowered participation and a true sense of belonging for all participants. However, if we want to be successful with inclusion, we must intentionally plan for it –…
Egale’s Guide to International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia for Sport Organizations
As Canada continues to adapt to new ways of connecting while practicing physical isolation, we must not forget the importance of days like the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB), a worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversities marked annually on May 17th. Now, more than ever, we must be vigilant in ending…