In sports environments where queer individuals are not visible, challenges related to these topics are often taboo. This creates uncertainty about the club’s stance on queer inclusion. The key is to break this taboo and dare to open up about inclusive values. Here are some suggestions for how to make it easier to talk about:

Themed workshops for coaches and leaders

Organizing an evening where inclusion is the main topic can bring these issues to the forefront. It is important to note that if the theme is only “inclusion” without specifying subtopics, issues like anti-racism and other forms of discrimination can quickly overshadow the LGBTQ+ aspect. However, there can be advantages to including all forms of inclusion in the theme—for instance, it may generate broader enthusiasm and participation everyone agrees to prioritize. If this broader framing is chosen, however, it is still important that LGBTQ+ is made a mandatory topic that everyone must discuss and address.

We suggest that an LGBTQ+ program for such an evening might include the following:

• An introduction by the club’s leader (or equivalent) that anchors the inclusion work in the club’s values and mission, and speaks to the importance of inclusion for the club.
• A presentation on the challenges queer athletes face. This can be delivered by external speakers—from Queer Sports Competence and Raballder, from other openly queer athletes, or from other actors with good knowledge of the topic. Internal speakers may also be used, especially those who have completed training or are familiar with the topic. One could also use this document as a foundation to present key points.
• Small group discussions exploring questions such as:
  • How do we talk about queer people in our club?
  • How should we handle it if someone comes out as queer in our community?
  • Case: A player shouts “f***ing homo!” in a heated moment. What do you do immediately? How do you follow up afterwards?
• A full-group review of the discussions.
• Agreement on guidelines for the entire club, based on the group inputs.

It is important to emphasize that the goal of such an evening is not the specific answers to these questions, but rather the awareness-building among key individuals who are then better equipped to reflect on their own attitudes and prepared for real-life situations when they arise.

Coaches should raise the topic with their athletes

Since uncertainty about a sports environment’s real attitudes is what most contributes to insecurity for queer athletes, it’s essential that the topic be openly addressed with all players. Coaches are key here, both due to their natural authority as sports leaders and mentors, and because of their close, ongoing presence with athletes. A coach needs to demonstrate that they are someone players can trust and approach if needed.

The Norwegian Confederation of Sports offers a simple but effective recommendation for all coaches:

At your team’s first practice, talk about inclusion. Say: ‘Everyone is welcome here— whether you're dark- or light-skinned, queer or straight.’

One may prefer to use the terms “queer” and “straight” instead of “gay” and “hetero,” but it’s important that “gay” or “queer” is mentioned specifically—not just a general anti discrimination statement. When coaches follow this recommendation, it sends a clear and 75 simple message: we welcome queer people and do not tolerate hateful speech. It also signals to any queer athletes that the coach is a supportive figure they can turn to. This kind of support from someone close in the sports environment can be decisive in helping a queer athlete feel they belong, stay motivated, and develop positively—both mentally and athletically.

Emphasize the role model effect for senior players

Senior team players are often role models for younger athletes, both on and off the field. Yet many adult players may not be aware of this influence. Therefore, it is important for the club to run inclusion-focused sessions for those who are likely to be seen as role models. This could take the form of a themed evening, like the one described above, or have senior players participate in the same inclusion discussions as coaches and leaders.

Establish Clear Guidelines for Athletes, Staff, Parents, and Others – Institutionalize Inclusion

Institutionalizing inclusion as a club value requires long-term effort. Ultimately, though, these values should be reflected in the club’s bylaws and included in all strategic documents. We recommend developing a set of club-wide rules for engaging with queer athletes—such as not assuming everyone is a heterosexual cis person, how to respond to incidents, and how to foster a culture of openness. These messages should be clearly and repeatedly communicated through social media, websites, and other promotional materials.

As mentioned earlier, such rules can be developed during a themed evening for leaders and coaches, but could also be created by the board alone. That said, we believe broader participation generally results in stronger buy-in than top-down directives. There is great value in facilitating conversations where even younger athletes and teams can contribute to the club’s values.

Additionally, clubs can make small updates to their bylaws that include inclusion language— proposals that can be introduced by the board and adopted at general assemblies or annual meetings.