For decades, physical activity contexts have been inherently exclusionary toward LGBTQ+ participation through their perpetuation of practices and systems that support sexuality- and gender-based discrimination. Progress toward LGBTQ+ inclusivity within physical activity has been severely limited by a lack of actionable and practical suggestions. The purpose of this study was to garner an extensive account of suggestions for inclusivity from LGBTQ+ adults. Using an online cross-sectional survey, LGBTQ+ adults (N = 766) were asked the following open-ended question, "in what ways do you think physical activity could be altered to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ participation?" The resulting texts were coded using inductive qualitative content analysis. All coding was subject to critical peer review. Participants' suggestions have been organized and presented under two overarching points of improvement: (a) creation of safe(r) spaces and (b) challenging the gender binary. Participants (n = 558; 72.8%) outlined several components integral to the creation and maintenance of safe(r) spaces such as: (i) LGBTQ+ memberships, (ii) inclusivity training for fitness facility staff, (iii) informative advertisement of LGBTQ+ inclusion, (iv) antidiscrimination policies, and (v) diverse representation. Suggestions for challenging the gender binary (n = 483; 63.1%) called for the creation of single stalls or gender-neutral locker rooms, as well as for the questioning of gender-based stereotypes and binary divisions of gender within physical activity (e.g., using skill level and experience to divide sports teams as opposed to gender). The findings of this study represent a multitude of practical suggestions for LGBTQ+ inclusivity that can be applied to a myriad of physical activity contexts.
Keywords: Exercise; Gender; Inclusivity; Sexual diversity; Sexuality; Sports.
Physical activity contexts have a long history of being exclusionary toward people who identify as LGBTQ+. To better understand how to improve physical activity contexts, LGBTQ+ adults were asked, “in what ways do you think physical activity could be altered to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ participation?” using an online survey. From the 766 responses collected, 72.8% detailed approaches to create safer spaces for LGBTQ+ participation, such as: clearly advertising if the space is LGBTQ+ friendly, the creation of LGBTQ+-only classes (specifically beginner courses) or times, creating LGBTQ+ exclusive gym spaces, comprehensive antidiscrimination policies, and LGBTQ+ sensitivity staff training. Additionally, 63.1% of responses provided suggestions to better support gender diverse participation through either the addition of single changing stalls or the creation of gender-neutral locker rooms, as well as through the reorganization of sport from gender categories (men vs. women) to categories based on age or experience. Respondents also recommended that common gender-based stereotypes should be questioned and eventually debunked.
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