Lionesses’ success still feels like a dream – let’s make LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport a reality

Growing up with a love of football, Katy Smith hoped to have a future in the game – but sexism and homophobia saw her drift away from the pitch in her early teens. However, getting into coaching a few years later and the celebratory mood generated by England’s triumph at the Euros have reignited her passion. She explains why everyone should get to benefit from the momentum of women’s football…

At least 40 out LGBTQ+ athletes at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

Representation at the Games is already more than three times greater than at Gold Coast 2018, and increasing day-by-day; Sports Media LGBT+, media partner on Pride House Birmingham, working with historian Tony Scupham-Bilton on research; from previous Games, at least 75 former competitors are known to be LGBTQ+ and out; over 50 of these athletes past and present featuring in ‘Photos of Pride’ exhibition at main Pride House venue in Birmingham’s Gay Village

Referees take pride in being part of ‘game-changing’ LGBTQ+ Professionals in Football Collective

Ryan Atkin and Stacey Pearson are among the match officials who are representing their community in the sport on a new industry network group; the LGBTQ+ Professionals in Football Collective was launched on June 16 and is open to all in the game who want to drive inclusion; Atkin hails “great strides” made by PGMOL and The FA in recent years…