2SLGBTQI+ Inclusion in Sport
Jun 01, 2024
At viaSport BC, it’s important for us to continue to create inclusive, safe and welcoming spaces for all British Columbians to participate in sport – regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The impact that 2SLGBTQI+ folks have had on equality and civil rights locally, nationally, and globally is profound.
We are celebrating June as Pride Month along with 2SLGBTQI+ athletes across the province by sharing resources and telling the stories of impactful athletes and organizations in sport – sharing how they’ve made their mark on the sport community.
Join us this month on our social media to learn ways how you can also cultivate inclusivity and acceptance in sport.
Sport Community Stories
Read more about how viaSport Board of Directors Inspire Inclusion & Diversity in Sport.
Organizations championing 2SLGBTQI+ sport
In the spirit of acknowledging the importance of doing this year-round, we are pleased to highlight a few local sport organizations in B.C. who do incredible work to further 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion in and through sport year-round.
The Pacific Rim Curling League (PRCL) began at The University of British Columbia in 1983 and has now grown to be the premier curling league for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and allies in BC. The league is open to players at any level, from beginner to seasoned competitors.
Vancouver Gay Volleyball Association (VGVA) is one of the longest operating volunteer-run sports organizations where promoting gay-positive, inclusive, and above all, fun volleyball experiences is at the core. With seven divisions to choose from ranging in skill and commitment level from Recreation to Competition 4, there is something for everyone.
PacificSport Okanagan is a not-for-profit regional sport hub created in 1995, as a legacy of the 1995 Western Canada Summer Games. The regional sport hub was created to lead athlete, coach, and community sport services in British Columbia’s Okanagan. They are committed to creating and supporting a sport ecosystem in the Okanagan Valley that is safe and inclusive for the 2SLGBTI+ community – sharing resources and running school and sport programs catered to the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
The Vancouver Ultimate League Society (VULS) is the largest ultimate league in metro Vancouver with over 6,200 members. Serving both adults and youth, they organize recreational play, workshops and clinics. Their website has an extensive section on inclusion, specifically 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion, including policy, resources, initiatives and a glossary of terms to ensure that 2SLGBTQI+ participants feel welcome and supported at VULS.
How can I support the 2SLGBTQI+ community in sport?
The Creating Inclusive Environments resource provides recommendations to sport organizations seeking to create more inclusive environments for athletes, administrators, coaches, officials, and volunteers based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Creating Inclusive Environments for Trans Participants in Canadian Sport was developed by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport to guide sport organisations to develop their trans inclusion policies in sport.
The Participant-Centred Design Guide provides a strategic, step-by-step approach to developing programs that are inclusive and meet unique needs for new members.
The Non-Binary Inclusion in Sport booklet provides sports organisations and organisers; sports regulators and governing bodies; and members of sporting communities at large, with a resource to help
accessibility for non-binary people and people of all genders
2SLGBTQ+ Coach guide resource is designed to help coaches create safe spaces for their participants, specifically those who identify as 2SLGBTQI+.