Are we there yet? (Illusions of) Inclusion in sport for LGBT+ communities in Australia

Abstract

This paper reports findings from five recent studies related to gender and sexuality in Australian sport. It offers a challenge to widespread claims that exclusionary practices such as homo/bi/transphobia have been reduced or eliminated within sport settings. We suggest there remains much to be done towards ‘inclusion’, and that the concept itself is perhaps an illusion. Drawing on ‘diversity work’ theory we suggest inclusion is yet to be fully realised in sport-based research circles, and we argue that claims about the advanced progress in inclusion for LGBT+ people are problematic. Structures of language, institutional organisation and misaligned practices act as blocks to inclusion and fuel discrimination. We conclude by offering suggestions about where these can be addressed in sport and in research.