Stonewall has joined forces with double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes to host a Rainbow Laces roundtable aimed at breaking down barriers facing LGBTQ+ people in sport and physical activity.
The discussion brought together representatives from grassroots sport, higher education and inclusion organisations, alongside LGBTQ+ athletes, to explore how participation can be increased and environments made more welcoming across the sector.
The charity said the session created space for attendees to share experiences and identify practical ways to improve access to sport, exercise and movement. Participants left feeling “hopeful and energised”, with Stonewall pledging to share the outcomes of the conversation in the near future.
The event forms part of Stonewall’s wider Rainbow Laces campaign, which seeks to create what it describes as a “visible network of belonging” in sport. The initiative is built around the message that LGBTQ+ people should feel able to “move with pride” and participate without fear of discrimination.
Stonewall says there remains a significant disparity in experiences, with LGBTQ+ people more likely to face discrimination while exercising than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. The organisation argues that this continues to prevent many from accessing the well-established physical, mental and social benefits of sport and movement.
Rainbow Laces, which operates as an “always-on” campaign, encourages clubs, organisations and individuals to demonstrate support in visible ways. Wearing the campaign’s brightly coloured laces has become a widely recognised symbol of inclusion, signalling that LGBTQ+ people are welcome in sporting spaces.
The initiative also urges participants to organise inclusive activities, from tournaments and runs to themed fitness classes, in a bid to foster more supportive environments. Fans and spectators are also encouraged to get involved, with resources available to help create inclusive watch parties around major sporting events.
Stonewall says these actions are designed to turn expressions of support into tangible change, helping to ensure LGBTQ+ people feel they belong at every level of sport — from grassroots participation to elite competition.
The charity is also calling on organisations to formalise their commitment through its “Proud Pledge”, which can be displayed in clubs, gyms and community venues as a visible sign of inclusion. Supporters are further encouraged to share their involvement online, helping to build visibility and reinforce the message that sport and physical activity are for everyone.
The latest roundtable highlights growing momentum behind efforts to address inequality in sport, with high-profile figures such as Dame Kelly Holmes lending their support. Stonewall said collaboration across sectors would be key to sustaining progress and ensuring that LGBTQ+ people can take part in sport safely and with confidence.
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