By Ryan Storr et al.
Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria commissioned the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL) at Victoria University to examine the current climate, attitudes and initiatives towards LGBT inclusion within Australian cricket. The aims of this research were to explore:
The current attitudes towards the inclusion of LGBT players, coaches, volunteers and employees in Australian cricket;
The experiences of LGBT people in Australian cricket, including both professional and community players, coaches, volunteers and employees;
The beliefs and attitudes of cricket leaders (i.e. coaches and officials) from clubs, leagues and associations towards LGBT inclusion;
How LGBT inclusion can be improved and promoted effectively within Australian cricket.
In order to address these aims, the authors conducted a mixed methods study combining an online survey and in-depth interviews. A total of 338 respondents completed the survey, comprising cricket employees, players, coaches, administrators and volunteers. In addition, 17 in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants from the Victorian and Australian cricket communities.
Key Findings
The findings demonstrate both challenges and opportunities with regard to LGBT inclusion in Australian cricket. The survey data show the prevalence of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, and how homophobia also impacts heterosexual participants. Key findings from the survey include:
Three-quarters of non-LGBT and well over three-quarters of LGBT respondents believe that cricket should do more to be inclusive of LGBT people;
Almost half of non-LGBT and almost three-quarters of LGBT respondents have witnessed homophobia in cricket at some time or another;
Over 90 percent of both LGBT and non-LGBT respondents think LGBT people are accepted to some degree in various roles in cricket. Non-LGBT respondents reported staff as the most completely accepted role, while LGBT respondents selected players. The role least selected as completely accepted was the coach by both LGBT and non-LGBT respondents;
Respondents think cricket clubs are more welcoming of lesbian/bisexual women than of gay/bisexual men and transgender/gender diverse people;
Respondents believe LGBT people are more completely accepted as volunteers and players and less so in leadership or coaching roles in cricket clubs;
The majority of respondents are unaware of policies for either sexual orientation or gender identify. Respondents are more aware of policies at higher levels of competition than lower level and that people were the least aware of club policies;
The majority of respondents are unaware of LGBT inclusion policies at any level of competition. At most levels, respondents are most aware of inclusion policies for LGB people and least for same-sex parents, except for the club level where more are aware of policies of inclusion for same-sex parents.
The interview data indicate low levels of knowledge, awareness and education around LGBT inclusion within the cricket community and leadership; low levels of LGBT diversity within Australian cricket; and a more general lack of dialogue and conversations around sexuality and gender. Notwithstanding these challenges, this research clearly indicates that the cricket community is ready for initiatives to enhance LGBT inclusion in cricket, and identifies opportunities to engage the LGBT community and make cricket more inclusive. A key message from the study is that the cricket community identifies that there is a problem surrounding LGBT inclusion within Australia cricket, but is willing to address the issues and take proactive steps and actions towards greater LGBT inclusion. There is an opportunity for engaged leadership and institutional support in this area in order to show direction and commitment to LGBT diversity and inclusion across all levels of the game.
Key Recommendations
Based on the research findings, this report proposes a series of actions and strategies at multiple levels that can contribute to LGBT inclusion in Australian cricket. We offer the following recommendations:
Developing an LGTB inclusion policy
Awareness and capability training
Establishing an LGBT working group
Considering LGBT inclusive workplace practices
Developing a public relations and communication strategy for LGBT inclusion Recruiting LGBT allies
Supporting athletes
Addressing homophobia
Initiating participation programs for LGBT inclusion
Developing an LGBT supporters group This research focuses on LGBT.
We recognise the nuances and complexities around people born with intersex variations, but for the scope of this research we did not have the capacity to engage with people with intersex variations. We encourage Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria to engage with organisations such as OII Australia (Organisation Intersex International Australia) and the Victorian Equal Opportunities and Human Rights Commission, who have new guidelines for trans and intersex inclusion in sport. We also advise for the recommendations going forward to be inclusive of athletes with intersex variations under the LGBT umbrella.
To read more, please click here.