3 April 2020

UK Athletics are proud to announce they are launching the first Athletics Pride Network for the LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans) community in the sport, while welcoming allies to support the network.

Following the Covid-19 outbreak, many within the LGBT+ community in our sport will be facing extra barriers in their daily life. So, UK Athletics’ aim in launching this network during this period is to help provide a community for LGBT+ people and allies to connect with and find support during these times.

The governing body has been working with a cross-section of individuals in the sport, from coaches, to athletes (elite and grassroots), to officials, to establish a network to support the LGBT+ community within athletics in the UK.

Working within the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Terms of Reference of UK Athletics, the network seeks to raise awareness and visibility of LGBT+ people and issues in the sport and create an environment which is open and inclusive for everyone.

The Athletics Pride Network have three key objectives:

1. Improve access to athletics for LGBT+ people.

2. Be a support network for LGBT+ people and LGBT+ allies.

3. Challenge homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in athletics.

UK Athletics welcome new members from the LGBT+ community to get in touch and join the network, as we seek to establish and grow in the near the future. You can anonymously email at athleticspridenetwork@britishathletics.org.uk

Donna Fraser, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead at UKA said:

“I’m so proud that we have been able to engage with so many keen and motivated individuals across the sport to create this network for LGBT+ people. The network is in its infancy, but we are excited at its possibilities and reaching out to the LGBT+ community and continuing to showcase athletics as a sport for all, whatever your sexuality.

“We as an organisation are committed to the creation and enhancement of an inclusive culture. I’m delighted that we have so many people from within the sport who are driving this forward and asking us to provide support to get this network up and running.”

For more information on the network and useful link, click here.