Sexual Orientation
For many years homosexuality and homophobia have been taboo subjects in sport. The silence is an expression of homophobia. The negation and invisibility of homosexuality does not mean that there is no homosexuality within the sport movement. In order to counteract the silence and to combat the discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, the sport organisations, athletes, coaches, clubs and fans have to acknowledge the existence of homosexuality.
Sport organisations and their leaders should establish an atmosphere of acceptance of different sexual orientations. Education, campaigns and dissemination of information are essential tools to enhance tolerance and atmosphere of acceptance. Sport federations should enhance equality in all areas, including sexual orientation, in their daily activities. Fight against discrimination on grounds of sexual preference should be a duty of sport organisations.
Furthermore, contacts have been created between ENGSO and the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF), and this cooperation will be further developed. Both EGLSF and ENGSO are members of the Consultative Committee of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport of the Council of Europe. http://www.eglsf.info/eglsf-about.php
ENGSO calls upon its members to
- Fight against discrimination in sport on grounds of sexual preference;
- Educate coaches, trainers and other stakeholders. Media campaigns and dissemination of information are essential tools in fight against homophobia;
- Establish an atmosphere of acceptance which enables and supports the coming out of gay and lesbian sports men and women.
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