Sport and physical activity is an enormous part of our culture in the Liverpool City Region. However, even on a national level, compared to other groups, data on the physical activity levels and the sports played by the LGBT+ community, is far less well established.
Without data and information on the lived experiences of LGBT+ in sport and physical activity, work cannot be done to better engage and support these communities. In line with our 2020/21 theme, Young at Heart, which promotes the right for LGBT+ people to enjoy a happy, healthy and carefree life, regardless of how they identify, we are working to address this in our region.
We want to bring together representatives from LGBT+ inclusive sports groups, teams and clubs from across the region to act as a forum, a voice for our region.
We already know there are some fantastic examples of inclusive sports teams here. Take our LCR Pride Awards finalists in the inclusive sports club category, Dockside Runners, Liverpool Tritons RUFC and the overall winners, Mersey Marauders FC. These groups not only allow inclusive activities, but they also educate and challenge homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in sport on a local, regional and national level.
However, we know this is only a small segment of the grassroots and community groups in our region that engage and encourage LGBT+ inclusion in sport, take into account the intersections with gender inclusivity and disabled inclusivity, and promote adaptive sports and activities.
If you are an inclusive sports team, or group that provides inclusive physical activities for the LGBT+ community in Liverpool, Knowsley, Halton, St Helens, Wirral or Sefton. Then we want to hear from you.
Simply email us (info@lcrpride.co.uk) with your organisation name, contact details and a short summary of what you do and we will get back in touch with details of our sports and activity forum and how you can get involved.
Oh and while you’re here. If you haven’t seen it already, we’ve launched a community fund, with a specific Inclusive Sports & Physical Activity pot available. You can apply here.
