Media Releases
Research commissioned by Stonewall shows that too many LGBTQ+ people still don’t feel welcome playing or watching sport. The statistics come shortly after the launch of our annual Rainbow Laces campaign, which aims to make sport an inclusive, welcoming and space for all, kicks off.
The Barclays Women’s Super League, the Barclays Women’s Championship, the Premier League, the Football Association and grassroots teams across the nation are celebrating their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion throughout Rainbow Laces, which runs from 16 November - 5 December 2024.
Stonewall is encouraging people to lace up and make sport safer for all and show their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport by wearing a pair of iconic Rainbow Laces.
With the campaign in full swing, we're releasing new research revealing a significant number of LGBTQ+ people still feel unwelcome and unsafe playing or watching the sports they love.
The statistics show:
- 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ people (26 per cent) do not feel welcome at live sports events
- 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ people (27 per cent) do not feel welcome in community sport groups or community team sports
- Nearly a third of LGBTQ+ people (29 per cent) do not feel welcome watching live sport in a pub
- 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ people (21 per cent) who attended a live sporting event in the last year felt discriminated against because they are LGBTQ+
- 1 in 3 Black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBTQ+ people (34 per cent) who attended a live sport event in the last year report experiencing discrimination
- 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ people (22 per cent) who attended a fitness club or sports group in the last year experienced discrimination because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Since 2013, Rainbow Laces has kickstarted conversations on LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, and over a million people have laced up in support. Over the past decade, we’ve seen real progress and millions have been impacted by clubs, teams and fitness spaces becoming more welcoming and accepting to LGBTQ+ people.
Research from 2023, showed that a majority of Britons (56 per cent) viewed gay sportspeople as good role models; a sign that attitudes are changing thanks to the hard work of sports organisations and individuals across the nation. Football in particular has come a long way in visibly championing inclusion initiatives and taking action to create tangible change.
But despite this progress, these latest statistics show that we still need to keep our eye on the ball. All of us deserve to feel safe participating in the sports we love and experience the unique benefits that sport can create.
2024’s Rainbow Laces campaign began over the weekend and anyone can take part. Whether it’s on the pitch, in the stands, or anywhere in between, there are so many ways everyone can get involved – from snapping a picture wearing a pair of the iconic laces to sharing your story on social media.
Major sports organisations across the nation are showing their support for Rainbow Laces and helping to champion inclusion for all. The campaign has already gone live across the Professional Darts Grand Slam, the Barclays Women’s Super League, the Barclays Women’s Championship and the Football Association, with many grassroots football teams also joining in, alongside Sky Sports who will continue their support over the next two weeks. The Premier League will follow later in the month.
Jake Daniels, Professional Footballer at Blackpool FC, said:
“I know first-hand what it feels like to have to hide who you are on the pitch and the impact that has on participating in the sports you love. It’s thanks to campaigns like Rainbow Laces that more LGBTQ+ players and fans can bring their full selves to the beautiful game, and sport as a whole.
“While we’ve seen so much progress over the past decade, these statistics highlight that too many of us still feel unwelcome and unsafe in sport. In 2024, LGBTQ+ people deserve better. I’m proud to support Rainbow Laces this year, to help all of us have the opportunity to participate in and feel part of the sports we love.”
Simon Blake OBE, CEO of Stonewall said:
“Sports have a unique power to bring people together and connect through a shared passion for the sport we love. When Rainbow Laces started over a decade ago, being LGBTQ+ - a player or supporter - was a daunting experience for many. Since the campaign launched over a decade ago, over a million people have shown their support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.
“I know first-hand the joy of doing the sport I love without fear of discrimination. Sadly, our latest research shows this isn’t the case for everyone and far too many LGBTQ+ people still don’t feel welcome in sport. Making sport inclusive for all is one game we have to win.”
Together, we can make sport safer for all. Find out how you can support the campaign.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) yesterday ruled that a gay man living in Switzerland should not be deported from Switzerland to Iran, thanks to intervention from charities Stonewall and African Rainbow Family.
A legal team led by Dr S Chelvan, Head of Immigration and Public Law at 33 Bedford Row and Jacqueline McKenzie at Leigh Day drafted the written submissions for the charities to intervene and prevent him being deported back to Iran where he could face an unimaginable future, because homosexual relationships in Iran are a criminal offence and people face the death penalty.
The Court also addressed and confronted the legal premise of discretion – that the applicant could avoid persecution by concealing their identity or exercising restraint if he was returned to Iran. The Swiss authorities’ view that it was unlikely his sexual orientation would come to the knowledge of the Iranian authorities or population and that he therefore faced no real risk of ill treatment – was rejected by the Court.
This case is life-changing for the individual. And the outcome will also have an impact on many others, because the issues of law arising from it – including the discretion premise - will now also apply to 46 countries including the UK when determining protection claims from LGBTQ+ applicants seeking sanctuary in Council of Europe Member States.
The full judgement can be read here.
The original intervention alongside our partners African Rainbow Family is available to read here.
Standing up for LGBTQ+ safety
We will always work to ensure the safety and security of all LGBTQ+ people.
Simon Blake, CEO of Stonewall said:
“This judgement by the European Court of Human Rights is wonderful news. Our joint intervention means this man can now live their life free from the threat of torture or worse in a country where it is safer to be themselves. This case paves the way for many more people to achieve the same outcome.
“Our previous work to secure the freedom of people from Afghanistan was crucial to shape our intervention in this case. We will continue to push for the safety of the LGBTQ+ community in countries where they can succumb to direct physical harm for just being who they are.
“We commend the hard work and commitment of our legal team at 33 Bedford Row and Leigh Day for enabling our intervention, together with our co-interveners, African Rainbow Family, who continue to fight for fair access to asylum for LGBTQ+ people.”
Find out more
African Rainbow Family’s press release is available here.
Read the announcement from our legal team here.
Read more about our work with LGBTQ+ refugees here.
New report provides vital insights into anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime
Report with our partners Vodafone Foundation and Galop, which analysed data generated by the Zoteria app in the first year of use and revealed vital insights into anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime.
The app (closed, as of 16 February 2026), allowed people to flag anti-LGBTQ+ hate incidents - and connected users with support services. If you experience or witness a hate incident, you can still report it and access the same specialist help directly through Galop.
The report uncovers vital insights into anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime, an issue which continues to impact the community.
This report and the data from the app sheds light on how technology and data can help tackle anti-LGBTQ+ hate in the UK. Flagging encounters on the app also helps to build a more accurate picture of anti-LGBTQ+ hate in the UK.
The app's data highlights that Zoteria is filling a gap for people who feel less able to request support or report an encounter, or who cannot access services. The report comes shortly after the Home Office’s official reported hate crime statistics were released in England and Wales, and could help us understand the full picture.
It also follows 2021 research by Galop, which found that only one out of eight hate crimes were officially reported, and just one in five hate crime victims and survivors were able to access support. In this report, Galop – which runs the UK’s National LGBTQ+ Hate Crime Helpline – said that verbal abuse from strangers is often normalised and dismissed and not reported. Research from the government’s National LGBT Survey (2017) also showed that over 90% of respondents hadn’t reported their most serious instance of hate crime.
Zoteria report key findings
For those who wish to access support, apps like Zoteria provide a discreet and safe means to direct users to appropriate services.
The report finds that:
- Of all reports made on the app three in five were made outside of major queer cities.
- Trans victims and survivors request support in greater numbers: 20% of those with a trans history requested support from Galop, contrasting with 13% of those with non-trans history.
- Verbal abuse was, by far, the most frequently reported type of encounter (459 encounters), followed by hate speech (307 encounters).
Klara Wertheim, Head of Global Programmes at Stonewall, said: “The Zoteria app has been a vital tool in supporting LGBTQ+ people affected by hate and helps us better understand where hate occurs and who it affects. This report is a vital reminder of how mobile technology can provide far greater accessibility to reporting hate and accessing advice.
“What's clear from these findings is that anti-LGBTQ+ hate permeates everywhere. This work could help us tackle anti-LGBTQ+ hate by preventing it happening in the first place and provide better tailored support services to victims. Zoteria is proof that, LGBTQ+ or not, we can all play a role in standing up to hate whenever we see it.”
Zoteria is closed and no longer available to download. If you experience or witness a hate incident, you can still report it and access the same specialist help directly through Galop.
We’re also tackling anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime with our Hold My Hand campaign, get involved today.
It’s important to note that Zoteria is not linked to the police and is not an emergency app. If you, or anyone you are with, are in danger, you should still call 999 for emergency services.
We warmly welcome Estyn’s report, which outlines good practice for supporting LGBT learners in schools and colleges in Wales.
The report provides a useful set of standards for schools in Wales to work towards to create a truly inclusive education system where all learners can thrive, be themselves and succeed.
Stonewall Cymru’s 2017 School Report highlighted how far education providers in Wales need to go to support their LGBT pupils, with more than half of LGBT young people (54 per cent) in Wales and 73 per cent of trans young people having faced bullying in schools for being themselves.
This is made worse by the fact that a majority of pupils in Wales (62 per cent) said there isn’t an adult at schools they can talk to about being LGBT.
The Estyn report highlights the need for schools and colleges to ensure that the teaching of diversity and inclusion, including LGBT identities, is integrated into learning experiences; that homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying are recorded and acted upon; and ensuring that all staff engage in regular training to address discrimination and promoting diversity.
We strongly support all of these developments and they are powerful recommendations which could pave the way to change lives. If all Welsh schools and colleges implemented these recommendations it would transform the experiences of LGBT young people in education.
We are glad to see that there is an importance placed on the need to ensure that learning celebrates diversity and actively promotes inclusion. Only through understanding and providing information can we tackle the abuse and discrimination of the future.
All young people in Wales have the right to receive an education that prepares them for life in modern Wales and it is vital that their education and curriculum reflects the full diversity of the world they live in.
In June, the former Government used emergency legislation to restrict access to medication commonly known as puberty blockers. Following a legal challenge by Trans Actual and the Good Law Project, a judicial review judgement has found that the use of the emergency legislation was lawful
-----------------------
A Stonewall Spokesperson said:
“The safety and wellbeing of young people must always be the priority and we should ensure that they have access to high quality, timely and inclusive healthcare that will help them thrive.
Suddenly removing access to medication has already caused a huge amount of distress and panic for many trans young people and their families.
All young people should have access to the very best evidence-based treatment available and we firmly believe that medical decisions should be made by doctors, not by politicians.
While we welcome further research on the efficacy of puberty blockers, we are seriously concerned about the distress caused from the use of emergency legislation to restrict access to them.
We urge Government and policy makers to listen to trans young people and their families and; prioritise their wellbeing when considering their next steps.
Notes
For those who need support, please reach out for it, there are a list of organisations here.
At the center of this case is a young trans girl, and at the center of this issue are many more trans young people who have been making their own representations about their access to healthcare. We ask all covering the topic - and this judgement - to be mindful of their wellbeing first and foremost.
'We're pleased to see a cross-party debate on tackling LGBT hate crime in Wales happening in the Senedd today. It's important that the increase in anti-LGBT hate crimes are met with urgency and action. Behind the recent reports showing an increase in anti-LGBT hate crimes are lesbian, gay, bi and trans people who continue to face hatred on the basis of who they are.
'Almost one in four LGBT people (23 per cent) have experienced a hate crime or incident due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity in the last 12 months, and this should be a wake-up call to us all. While we recognise confidence in reporting is rising, we fear these statistics represent the tip of the iceberg in anti-LGBT hate crimes. From our LGBT in Wales: Hate Crime and Discrimination report, we know underreporting is still a major issue with seven in ten anti-LGBT hate crimes and incidents in Wales going unreported, with younger LGBT people particularly reluctant to go to the police. Stonewall Cymru encourages anyone who’s experienced a hate crime to report it, and we’re working with authorities and police services to help LGBT people feel more confident to do so.
‘We all have a part to play in making our society more accepting. Now more than ever, it is time for everyone who cares about equality to stand together as one united community to ensure everyone is free to be themselves.'
Colin Macfarlane, Director, Stonewall Scotland said: ‘At a time of unprecedented crisis, it’s right the Scottish Government is doing everything they can to tackle the impact of Covid-19. Marginalised communities, including lesbian, gay, bi and trans people, are always hardest hit in times like this. So it’s crucial we all come together to play our part in supporting each other and protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.
‘Still this news means reform of the Gender Recognition Act is being delayed for now, and that will be disappointing for trans communities and the many allies who’ve come out for trans rights. Please know that we hear you, we are standing with you and will continue to fight for you. Equality is not a luxury and especially right now, it’s vital the Scottish Government remains committed to protecting the rights of all marginalised groups.
‘Once we’ve made it through this crisis, we urge the Scottish Government to uphold its commitment to GRA reform, as well as tackling the inequality trans people are facing in their everyday lives. Waiting times for Gender Identity Services are over two years long and combined with the rising climate of anti-trans hostility, it’s taking a huge toll on trans people’s mental health and wellbeing. Investment and work must be done to bring down these waiting lists and improve mental health services, so every trans person who needs support can access it, when they need it.
‘We are living through extraordinary and uncertain times, there’s no doubt about that. But there's also a hope that when this is over, we can build a kinder, more caring society that benefits everyone. Making sure trans people can enjoy the rights and respect they deserve is one way to make sure we are creating a better future, and that’s something we at Stonewall and all our allies stand ready to fight for.’
Stonewall’s Board of Trustees have unanimously elected Catherine (Cat) Dixon as Chair.
This follows Iain Anderson’s appointment by the Shadow Business Secretary to conduct an independent review of how Government and business can work together more effectively.
LGBTQ+ peoples’ human rights transcend party politics, and as a politically neutral organisation, Cat’s appointment ensures Stonewall can continue its vital work across the political spectrum in the best interests of LGBTQ+ communities.
Cat, formerly Vice Chair, is Stonewall’s longest serving trustee. Ayla Holdom has also been elected as Vice Chair, working jointly in the role alongside Jean Vianney Cordeiro.
Ben Whur has also started in post as Managing Director of Stonewall, leading the organisation’s work over the next nine months.
Cat brings a wealth of experience and expertise in leading major organisations, currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Cat was previously Chief Executive of the Law Society, NHS Resolution and a University College having previously been a senior executive in BUPA, General Counsel for the NSPCC and served as an Officer in the British Army. Cat is a solicitor and mediator and has served on numerous Boards. Cat also holds the world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the world on a tandem which she set in 2020.
Ayla has been involved in Stonewall since 2015, initially as a participant in Stonewall’s Leadership Programme, and subsequently serving on Stonewall’s Trans Advisory Group before joining the Board in 2020. Ayla has exceptional professional experience having served in the RAF for over a decade, including a tour in Iraq in 2008, followed by 7 years as a Sea King helicopter Captain in the RAF’s Search and Rescue Force. Ayla came out as Transgender in 2010 and remained in front line service throughout her transition, with the support and pragmatism of her colleagues and the wider armed forces. Ayla now flies for the National Police Air Service.
Ben has had a rich and varied career in social care, social housing, interim leadership in health, housing and central Government, and leading a successful events company. He also spent 9 years from 2005 volunteering for Pride in London, including leading the volunteer team, delivering the annual event.
Commenting on her appointment as Chair and thanking Iain for his contribution to Stonewall, Cat Dixon (she/her) said:
“I am incredibly proud to be appointed as Chair of Stonewall’s Board of Trustees and committed to working hard to secure the freedom, equity and release of potential for all LGBTQ+ people. As an Army Officer who served when it was a crime to be LGBTQ+ in the armed forces, I have experienced discrimination and hate, and I am forever grateful to Stonewall for the role it played in getting the ban to lifted. It is tackling the ongoing injustices, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQ+ people that drives me to serve our communities through Stonewall, and I will do my best to provide inspirational and supportive leadership to Stonewall as it continues, with its partners, to fight for the rights of LGBTQ+ people and to win hearts and minds to get the UK back on track as the world leader for LGBTQ+ equality.”
“I want to thank Iain on behalf of the Board, for his leadership over the last year, and for his longstanding and ongoing support of Stonewall and the wider LGBTQ+ community.”
Iain Anderson (he/him) said:
“I am proud to have served as Stonewall’s Chair over the last year and will continue to support as a Stonewall Ambassador for the charity which has made such a huge difference in my life. I am confident Cat will continue to provide Stonewall with excellent organisational leadership. I am proud to stand for and with all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people and will continue to champion our communities’ rights and potential in everything I do.”
Enquiries: Please contact the Press Office at press.office@stonewall.org.uk
2nd November 2023 – Stonewall, the largest LGBTQ+ organisation in Europe, with the support of celebrities from across music, film and fashion call out the UK Government's failure to protect LGBTQ+ people and instead focus on waging culture wars that dehumanise the LGBTQ+ community.
In a joint letter addressed to PM Rishi Sunak, celebrities such as Russell Tovey, Alan Cumming, Mae Martin, Munroe Bergdorf, Dr Ranj and many more demand immediate action on conversion practices as the clock runs down on time to legislate on its promise from over 5 years ago. The long-fought for ban on conversion therapy faces a make-or-break moment in the King’s Speech after years of negotiations, delays and U-turns, despite having cross-party political support
They also accuse the UK Government of giving the green light for abusers to continue unhindered and call out the wider failure to protect LGBTQ+ people in the UK from rising hate crimes, lack of access to specialist healthcare and cooling support for the LGBTQ+ inclusive education laws introduced under Boris Johnson’s government.
Find out more about conversion therapy.
Robbie de Santos, Director of External Affairs at Stonewall, said: “Following conflicting ‘will they, won’t they’ reports it's obvious that long-term opponents of LGBTQ+ rights are trying to derail these vital protections. The Prime Minister has a choice of pandering to extreme voices or demonstrating his leadership by protecting LGBTQ+ people and standing up to abusers. He has a week to decide whether his government will be on the right side of history and bring forward a full no-loopholes ban on conversion practices in the King's speech next week.”
Actor Alan Cumming, said: "It's not just about banning conversion therapy; it's about sending a message to young queer people that their government does not believe there's anything wrong with them, and that they have no need to convert or change. Until conversion therapy is banned, the UK government is sending a message that it is inherently homophobic."
Enquiries: Please contact the Press Office in case of any follow-up questions on 020 7593 1856 or at press.office@stonewall.org.uk for more information.
The UK Government's failure to deliver a ban on conversion practices after five years of promises is an act of frightful negligence - in doing so, it has given the green light for the abuse against LGBTQ+ people to continue unchecked.
Rather than getting mired in a cynical cultural war, the UK Government should be making decisions based on what the evidence and expertise said. England and Wales' 1.5 million LGBTQ+ people, and their families, deserve better.
Read the full statement from Cat Dixon, Stonewall Chair:
'We are deeply disappointed to see that legislation to ban conversion practices has been dropped from the King’s Speech. This was the final opportunity for this UK Government to protect LGBTQ+ people from the abuse and torture that has afflicted generations of LGBTQ+ people in the UK and which continues to this day.
Protections were first promised in Prime Minister Theresa May, and by every subsequent Prime Minister including Rishi Sunak. We saw legislation pledged in both the 2021 and 2022 Queen’s Speech, so the abandonment of promised laws now is an abject failure to protect for the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Banning conversion therapy is backed by the entire medical establishment, faith leaders from all communities, including the Church of England, and the British public (including 60% of 2019 Conservative voters). There is even overwhelming support across all political parties, so the question remains, why did the UK Government decide that LGBTQ+ people no longer deserve protection?
The LGBTQ+ community is left questioning whether promises and commitments from recent Prime Ministers mean anything; whether the institutions that are supposed to protect vulnerable people from harm deserve our trust. We know the wider public care about LGBTQ+ people as their family, friends, neighbours and colleagues, will, no doubt, also question whether we can trust our Government to do what they say they will do.
It is no surprise that the UK has slipped from number one to number 17 in the top countries for LGBTQ+ rights in the ILGA Europe rankings in just a few years. And despite some welcome steps, including an apology to LGBTQ+ veterans who suffered under the UK’s criminalisation of members of the armed forces. It is often said that society should be judged on how it treats its most vulnerable members. If that is applied to this Government it as singly failed and the British public, who are supportive of equality and fairness, will judge this failure to protect vulnerable LGBTQ+ people and do the right thing, accordingly.
We would invite the Government to reflect on why it has not had the courage to honour its promise despite such widespread support. Conservative governments introduced Same-Sex Marriage, LGBTQ+ inclusive education and evacuated LGBTQ+ Afghans, and made PrEP available on the NHS. However, broken promises and rhetoric which serves to deprive those most vulnerable in our society of dignity may be what voters have front of mind today.
As political parties look towards a General Election in 2024, they should be thinking about how they can ensure the UK is once again world-leading by championing the rights of the most vulnerable LGBTQ+ people and ensuring that our whole community is treated with respect, dignity and equality. We need a serious plan to get the UK back on track, and political commitments to take us there.'