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# Study finds that two in five LGBTQ+ sports fans made to feel unwelcome when watching sport due to their gender or sexuality
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/study-finds-that-two-in-five-lgbtq-sports-fans-made-to-feel-unwelcome-when-watching-sport-due-to-their-gender-or-sexuality/
- Published: 2023-04-23T10:55:32.000Z
- Updated: 2023-04-23T10:55:32.000Z
- Description: Nearly half (44%), of 1,000 people polled, feel that the sporting world is less accepting and progressive than society in general when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community.
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: Sport, Cricket, Football, LGBT, LGBTQ, tennis

A study from **OnePoll** has found that two in five LGBTQ+ sports fans have been made to feel unwelcome when watching a live sporting event in person due to their gender or sexuality.

Nearly half (44%), of 1,000 people polled, feel that the sporting world is less accepting and progressive than society in general when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community.

The worst sport for this was revealed to be **football**, with 53% having experienced problems at a men’s football event, and 23% at women’s football.

And of the one in three (34%) who have experienced abuse while sitting in the stands at a live sporting event, they say this has happened to them an average of four times.

### The research revealed 45% of all LGBTQ+ adults polled claimed homophobic or transphobic “banter” has always been part of sporting culture.

Other sports in which homophobic or transphobic abuse has been an issue include **swimming**, **tennis**, and **cricket**.

It also emerged it’s not just when watching a sport – as 38% of those who have taken part in a team game have encountered abuse from their own side because of their sexuality.

Nearly half (46%) of those confronted them personally, although 32% stayed quiet – and after being confronted, three-quarters said the abuser tried to justify their comments as “banter”.

More than half (54%) have also witnessed someone directing homophobic or transphobic abuse at another person – with this occurring most in football, rugby, basketball, and Formula 1.

And while 49% said the abuse was directed at those watching the sport, 23% saw the players targeted – although 27% saw both groups abused.

The research, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed 45% of all LGBTQ+ adults polled claimed homophobic or transphobic “banter” has always been part of sporting culture.

And as a result, 85% feel sport still needs to be improved to be inclusive to everyone.