ASA commended for work with LGBT swimmers

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee released the report following three evidence sessions with representatives from a range of sports.

ASA Health and Wellbeing Manger, Jamie Hooper, gave evidence to the Committee on the national and local work the ASA is doing to support LGB&T aquatic clubs by engaging local communities and providing toolkits for facility operators.

The report stated: “We also commend the Amateur Swimming Association for the work it does with LGB swimmers and the steps it is taking towards developing tailored toolkits in order to help operators best assist in the recent upsurge in transgender participation, as well as their support for “safe spaces” and gay-friendly swimming clubs.

“The ASA ran LGB roadshows to get people to engage with its audit in partnership with the Government Equalities Office steering group, Pride Sports, Ditch the Label, Transsexuals in Sport and Stonewall. We encourage other sporting bodies to follow examples such as these and initiate similar outreach programmes.”

Jamie Hooper said: “This recognition is testament to the work we have done to reach out to this community. Swimming is brilliant and we need to make sure everyone feels like they can take part.

“We will soon be releasing a toolkit to help operators and clubs support trans swimmers. This is another step towards making swimming and all our disciplines as inclusive as possible.”

The report was issued during LGB&T history month. For more information, click here.

• Read the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s Homophobia in Sport report.
• Read the ASA’s written statement and view the oral evidence sessions.

This article was first posted on 16 February 2017