The rainbow laces campaign is designed to improve visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community participation in sports. Statistics show that members of the community are perhaps less likely to participate in sport, with data a lot less established. My goal for this campaign is to allow people to express themselves and represent their values, whilst also allowing people who may not be a part of those demographics, to demonstrate their support.
My reason for starting up this campaign is, being someone who identifies as bisexual, I felt fairly anxious when first joining the hockey team, fearing judgement from my teammates. Whilst I was proved wrong and was welcomed by the entire team when I built up the courage to come out to them, I understand that many others may be in a similar situation. I hope that the implementation of these laces can encourage people to be who they are and realise that they won’t be judged at all. This is a campaign that anyone and everyone can get involved in to stand together in allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community and I can’t wait to see as many laces on the playing field as possible!
Students wishing to participate, can collect a pair of laces from the Student’s Union office – just in time for the first sports fixtures this season! Upon collection, students will be asked to sign a pledge, highlighting the raising awareness of the LGBTQIA+ members at the university, as well as supporting the community, and calling out any discrimination they may see them face. Another aspect of the campaign will be holding a session soon, where people can talk about their experiences, turn up to support the community and also giving everyone an opportunity to re-lace their shoes/sports footwear, as a group!
https://www.sportengland.org/research-and-data/research/lgbtq?section=at-a-glance-section