EGLSF conferenceUnited agains Homophobia in Sport

Questions for my presentation

• What kind of research into homonegativity and heteronormativity in sports has been undertaken in Denmark and to what extent does existing research match with and legitimate policy questions and decisions?

Questions for my presentation

• We would also like to discuss whether a European research project into this topic would be fruitful and what kind of study this would be

Tommy Kristoffersen CV

• Volunteering in mainstream and gay sport• 10 years in Danish Sport Confederation• President of EuroGames 2003 • Sports Director of the WorldOutgames 2009 • Project manager for ISCA

Research in Denmark

• What kind of research into homonegativity and heteronormativity in sports has been undertaken in Denmark ?

Research

• Blank site

Leader of Department of Exercise and Sports Science

• Else Trangbæk: • ”I will try a see what, and if I can find something about this issue”

Professor in Department of Exercise and Sports Science

• Gertrud Pfister:• “I do not know of any research in Denmark and any researchers doing work in this area in Denmark”• I have the feeling (it is just a feeling) that

homophobia is not such a big issue here?? The press handles lesbian handball players without a lot of homophobia

International Director, Play the Game

• Jens Sejer Andersen:• ”I will be surpriced if you can find any research” • ”It does not seem to have any interest for the sports confederations – at least not for the Danish Soccer Federation”

What have sports federations done?

• The two biggest sports federations in Denmark (Danish Gymnastic and Sports Associations DGI) and Sports Confederation of Denmark DIF) have not done any research or specific projects in this area

What kind of experience do we have in general in Denmark?

• Sports events• Media debate and TV programmes

World Outgames• DGI and DIF supported EuroGames 2003 • DGI and DIF were very important partners in World Outgames 2009.• Sportsprogramme organised by LGBT and main stream sports organisations and clubs• Many substainable partnerships were established.• Volunteers, education program, best practice, event management etc.)

Legacy of World Outgames

• The Sports, Culture and Human Rmeights program at the World Outgames 2009 had a big influence on mainstream organisations , church, NGO`s and in

some parts of business• LGBT sport and LGBT life became very visible and shown in a new context

TVs Sport

• The media has followed the debate about socceer players at a high level

• TV programme 27th of September 2012.• Lars Jacobsen Danish national player • ” I would not come out myself if I was gay, it would create to much attention”

Homofobi in elite sport

• Goal keeper Arek Onyszko made homophobic comments about gays in a book

• The Danish Superliga clubs OB • and FCM kicked him out.• OB made a match between • ”LGBT national team” and another minority

team.

• We would also like to discuss whether a European research project into this topic would be fruitful and what kind of study this could be

Pan Idræt is proactive

• Pan Idræt is Copenhagen’s LGBT sports club with 17 sports and is the largest LGBT organisation in Denmark.

• Because of the homophobia experienced by its football section, the issue has been discussed with DGI and the Culture (sports) minister Uffe Elbæk on several occasions

• Pan Idræt now has a goal for a campaign similar to that in UK to be launched in Denmark

• Meeting with ministry tomorrow (12 Oct)

Paul Brummitt, Chairman

Minister of Culture

UK Charter against Homophobia in Sport

• http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/equalities/lgbt/sports-charter/