LGBTQ+

At a glance

Compared to other groups, data on the physical activity levels of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) community - and the sport they play - is less well established. The sport and physical activity sector is working with community groups to better understand what works for them.

Research informing action

In 2016, we commissioned Pride Sports to do a 10-week study examining the levels of participation of LGBT+ people in sport. The Sport, Physical Activity and LGBT+ report was the first step of many in our journey to engaging more LGBTQ+ people to take part in sport and physical activity.

Based on the findings from the report, we’ve been developing key actions designed to help encourage more people to get active.

A man attempts to tackle another man, running with a rugby ball.

Our strategy – Uniting the Movement

Uniting the Movement, our 10-year strategy launched in 2021, is our plan to make being physically active a normal part of life for everyone in England – to make it easier for all of us as we go about our everyday lives.

Getting LGBTQ+ people more involved in sport and activity is an important part of this plan and we held a number of focus groups and conducted several interviews as part of the consultation phase.

We’re working to ensure LGBTQ+ people are given as many opportunities and as much support to get active as people with other protected characteristics. This includes a combination of research, insight and funding specific projects, or organisations working with LGBTQ+ people who share our aims on getting people more physically active.

Learn more about our Uniting the Movement strategy

Research

Active Lives

Our own data from the biannual Active Lives Survey detail the levels of activity of adults in England, by key demographic groups.

The latest report, published in April 2021, covers data collected from November 2019-November 2020 and shows 70.5% of gay or lesbian people are classed as active - completing 150+ minutes a week of moderate intensity physical activity.

The number for bisexual people is 67.5%, compared to 61.8% for heterosexual people and 61.4% for all adults - for people classed as 'other sexual orientation', the figure drops to 49.7%.

To find the results for inactive or fairly active people, or to see the figures for previous reports, download the 'Levels of activity' table for each Active Lives release using the link below.

See our Active Lives data tables

Find out more

Sport, Physical Activity and LGBT+ Report

We commissioned Pride Sports to do a 10-week study examining the participation levels of lesbian, LGBT+ people in sport.

The Sport, Physical Activity and LGBT+ report looks at existing research into issues affecting take up, as well as the impact of current projects that are successfully delivering more opportunities for LGBT+ people.

The study focuses on:

Initiatives aimed at improving participation
Volunteering
Spectating.

The study also considers how projects that have successfully engaged LGBT+ people are working to reduce physical inactivity.

Pride Sport: Sport, physical activity and lgbt report 2016 Download the file - 3.46 MB

Infrastructure review

In 2018, we commissioned a report from Pride Sport to look at provision for sport and physical activity by either general sports providers or specialist LGBTQ+ providers.

It focuses on the range of activities that are offered and how well served different regions are in providing access to different identities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Getting LGBTQ+ people active

Non-binary people, sport and physical activity

Pride Sports and the Proud Trust have produced guidance for non-binary inclusion in sport and physical activity.

They've also created a club finder tool to help locate clubs that are LGBTQ+ friendly, or LGBTQ+ focused.

Research informing actions

As part of the Workforce Innovation Fund, we supported Energise Me to investigate the role the workforce plays, or could play, in supporting LGBT+ people to be active.

Pride in Your Workforce - report

Pride in Your Workforce - resource

Review into transgender inclusion in domestic sport in the UK

During 2020, the Sports Councils Equality Group (SCEG) commissioned a Review into Transgender Inclusion in Domestic Sport in the UK.

Subsequently a wide-ranging consultation has taken place.

For more information on the review and the expected next steps, click below.

Find out more

At a glance

Research informing action

Our strategy – Uniting the Movement

Sign up to our newsletter