Background
In the European Union, equal treatment is a fundamental right. However, LGBT+ persons are among the groups most exposed to discrimination, bullying and violence in the European Union. Although the inclusion and acceptance of LGBT+ people across Europe have significantly improved over the last years, the situation in sports remained unsolved. Harassment, bullying, violence and homophobia make sport exclusive and unsafe and undermine the powerful potential of sport to contribute to personal, social and community development. Addressing the issue of homophobia in sport is thus very timely given Europe’s inclusive stance on minority rights as well as the European sport system’s overall strategy of making the sport environment, and the sport experience, safe and welcoming.
Take a stand for equality and inclusion in sports! Join us in promoting a fair and accepting environment for LGBT+ athletes, coaches, fans, and everyone in the sporting community. Together, we can make a difference.
More than 100 people from over 12 countries — including Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Spain, Latvia, Bulgaria, Türkiye, France, Lithuania, Romania, Croatia, Estonia, and beyond — have already signed the petition!
The TimeOut project addresses the urgent need to combat discrimination, bullying, and homophobia in sports within the European Union. Despite significant strides in the inclusion and acceptance of LGBT+ individuals in various sectors, the sporting world still lags, fostering environments where harassment and exclusion persist. Such negative experiences undermine sport’s potential to contribute positively to personal and community growth.
TimeOut seeks to bridge this gap by equipping stakeholders with enhanced skills, strategies, and tools through the exchange of good practices and methodologies. Each partner in the project brings unique insights, from research to media communication, aiding in a comprehensive approach to project development. A core part of the initiative involves conducting a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey, targeting 100 participants connected to sports, including athletes and coaches, to assess current perceptions and stereotypes.
- Raise awareness about discrimination in sport based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity tackling ignorance.
- Promote sport itself as a tool for the prevention of discrimination, bullying and hate crime based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
- Promote personal freedom and the values of the European Union of coexistence, awareness and acceptance of diversity Create a European Network of Sport clubs and organizations which are LGBT+ friendly.
- Create a multimedia Resource Center based on a needs analysis to enhance LGBT+ inclusion in sport.
Resource center
Knowledge Hub
KAP survey, Collection of Good Practices, and Invited Talks Interviews.
Networking Hub
Mapping of relevant stakeholders, Creation of an LGBT+ friendly sport network, and Online Petition for the inclusion of LGBT+ in sport.
Guidance & Resources Hub
Support in case of harassment or discrimination , Policy recommendation: Inclusion of LGBT+ in sport
Explore a visual guide and key facts about LGBT+ inclusion and anti-harassment in sports. Easy-to-read infographic highlighting rights, legal help, and good practices across the EU.
Join the call for equality in sports! Learn more about the petition advocating for inclusive, safe, and discrimination-free environments for LGBT+ athletes and supporters.
Discover inspiring examples of inclusive sports initiatives and success stories from across Europe — showing how diversity strengthens teams and communities.
Watch interviews with athletes, coaches, and experts sharing experiences and insights on creating inclusive sports spaces.
Find guidance and contacts for reporting discrimination or harassment in sports, including legal resources, equality bodies, and NGO support.
Review policy guidelines and recommendations for sports organizations, policymakers, and clubs to promote equality and protect LGBT+ participants.
Connect with an EU-wide network of inclusive sports clubs and organizations working together to make sports safe, welcoming, and empowering for all.
Access project communication resources — including the project flyer, presentation, banner, banner for the european week of sport, and visual templates — to help spread awareness and promote inclusion in sports.
We’re Committed to Continuing Our Capacity Building Trainings
Our work doesn’t end with the project. We are committed to providing capacity building trainings for local sport clubs and organizations even after the project’s completion — empowering them to use sport as a tool for LGBT+ inclusion, social cohesion, communication, and self-expression.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
