We’ll wrap up our #AuthenticMe 2020 events with a social evening via Zoom TONIGHT (Thu 8 Oct) at 6.30pm BST – find out how you can join in…
By Jon Holmes
*** ZOOM IN! *** – just ask us for the Access code! Email info@sportsmedialgbt.com
What a year it’s been...
Twelve months ago, on the evening of October 8, 2019, Sports Media LGBT+ held its second annual #AuthenticMe event at the UK headquarters of Twitter in London, with over 100 people in attendance.
Energised by panel discussions which focused on being out at the Olympics; the importance of sharing stories, such as on Jack Murley’s must-listen BBC LGBT Sport Podcast; and being yourself in ‘the beautiful game’, there was a tangible sense of optimism in the room, particularly as we looked forward to the Tokyo Games.
None of us could have foreseen what 2020 would bring – and sadly, we can’t get together in person again this year.
However, for our network and advocacy group, there is still plenty to be positive about – so #AuthenticMe is returning once again in the week building up to National Coming Out Day.
The worldwide community of LGBT+ people and allies in sport – which we are hugely proud to be a part of – continues to grow in visibility and confidence. Our social channels are evidence of this; we’re now closing in on 10,000 followers across all our platforms.
We’re seeing increased engagement too, as well as lots of enquiries from those who want to partner up on projects or find ways to make their sports environments more inclusive. Much of this activity has stemmed from our Rainbow Ready resources and Pride Month pack, released earlier in the year.
For #AuthenticMe 2020, we linked up with our friends at Pride Sports for two virtual discussion events via Zoom. You can watch these back here…
- ‘Ready, Get Set, Go! Launching an LGBT+ Network in Sport’, with guest speakers from the Athletics Pride Network, Racing Pride, Racing With Pride, and Pride In Water
- ‘Creating Space: LGBTQ+ Mental Fitness in Football’, with guest speakers from Inside Inclusion, The Football Association / Stonewall FC, and the Football v Homophobia campaign, ahead of World Mental Health Day
Furthermore, we’ll be holding an #AuthenticMe Social via Zoom on Thursday 8 October (starts 6.30pm BST).
This is an opportunity for you to drop in and chew the fat with others from our community, and make some valuable connections. Whether you’re embarking on a career in sports media, planning your own inclusion initiative, or just interested in meeting others who are LGBT+ or active allies in sport, you’ll be made very welcome.
There’ll also be a Quiz; a bit of build-up to the England vs Wales football friendly at Wembley; and some special guests dropping by.
To be a part of Thursday evening’s Social, click here to Zoom in – just email info@sportsmedialgbt.com with ‘Social request’ in the subject field to get the access code, or you can DM us on Twitter or Instagram.
See you at #AuthenticMe!
