ABSTRACT

Academic, policy and activist debates on how sport organizations can advance support for Lesbian, Gay, Bi and, Trans (LGBT) people at all levels of competition (from grassroots to elite) have risen to prominence in recent years. This paper explores the extent and nature of support for LGBT diversity in sport, with an empirical focus on cricket in Australia. Using a mixed method research design, the authors combine an online survey (n = 337) and semi-structured interviews (n = 17) across various levels of competition and administration. Drawing on Avery’s theory of support for diversity, the findings demonstrate a perceived lack of institutional support through endorsement and activism for LGBT diversity but noticeable support from the grassroots cricket community. The survey data show a perceived need for increased efforts to include LGBT communities in cricket. Stakeholder interviews demonstrate a lack of understanding and awareness of LGBT diversity amongst administration at both the community and leadership levels. We contend that if cricket in Australia is to truly be a “sport for all”, and policy imperatives around diversity and inclusion are to be achieved, clear and consistent institutional support showing both commitment and action towards LGBT diversity must be demonstrated.

摘要

近年来，关于体育组织如何在各级竞争（从基层到精英）中促进对女同性恋、男同性恋、双性恋和跨性别者 (LGBT) 的支持的学术、政策和活动家辩论已经上升到突出地位。本文探讨了在体育运动中支持 LGBT 多样性的程度和性质，并以澳大利亚的板球为实证重点。作者使用混合方法研究设计，将在线调查 (n = 337) 和半结构化访谈 (n = 17) 结合到不同级别的竞争和管理中。借鉴 Avery 的多样性支持理论，研究结果表明，人们普遍认为 LGBT 多样性的认可和行动主义缺乏制度支持，但草根板球社区的明显支持。调查数据显示，人们认为需要加大力度将 LGBT 社区纳入板球运动。利益相关者访谈表明，社区和领导层面的行政部门对 LGBT 多样性缺乏理解和认识。我们认为，如果澳大利亚的板球要真正成为一项“全民运动”，并且要实现围绕多样性和包容性的政策要求，就必须展示明确和一致的机构支持，表明对 LGBT 多样性的承诺和行动。