Local sports clubs are being urged to be more aware of the issues surrounding homophobia in sport, and encouraged to open their doors to all members of the community.
The Just A Ball Game? Time For Change-Now! exhibition was showcased in Scotland for the first time last week as part of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transexual (LBGT) History Month 2013 and Borders College in Galashiels was the chosen venue.
The exhibition was delivered by diversity group Just a Ball Game? in partnership with the Scottish Borders LGBT Equality Forum. Many of the college’s tutors and students visited the exhibition panels and spent time chatting to the JBG? volunteers at the event.
JBG? founder Lindsay England found her first trip to the Borders a great experience and was confident that the area would embrace the group’s equality in sport ethos.
She told TheSouthern: “Homophobia is endemic in all sports at both elite and grass roots level, and affects the lives of both LGBT people young and old, as well as heterosexuals, and can also impact on performance levels of individuals or teams.
“Challenging and overcoming sterotyping in sport is key to tackling homophobia. Sportspersons and fans who are heterosexual, but inclusive-minded of LGBTs, will interrelate harmoniously and help to build on a much needed LGBT/heterosexual alliance, within the industry and in society in general.”
Scottish Borders LGBT Equality Forum chair Susan Hart added: “The forum was delighted to be given the opportunity to work in partnership with Just a Ball Game? and Borders College. This interesting and enlightening exhibition which highlights the issues faced by LGBT people in sport was very well received by students and staff alike.”
For further information, contact Lindsay at Info.justaballgame@gmail.com
The event was supported by the NHS, SBC, LGBT Youth Scotland, CAB, police and fire service, and Borders College.