Feminist Sport Lab Calls for Inclusive Sport in the UK: A Letter to the Labour Government
By Sheree Bekker and Stephen Mumford (FSL Co-Directors)
At the Feminist Sport Lab, we envision a future where sport is inclusive, equitable, and accessible to everyone, particularly those most marginalised who face significant challenges in sports access and participation. With the recent UK election of the Labour Government, we believe now is the time to take decisive action to address these pressing issues.
In our letter to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and the Ministers for Women and Equalities, we outline a comprehensive vision for transforming sport in the UK. Key proposals include developing inclusive policies and practices, providing comprehensive training for sports officials, promoting the visibility of transgender and nonbinary athletes, and ensuring safe and welcoming sports environments. We also emphasize the importance of intersectional approaches, recognizing that individuals' experiences in sport are shaped by multiple intersecting injustices including sexism, misogyny, racism, classism, and ableism.
We urge the new government to work with us and other stakeholders to make the UK a global leader in inclusive and liberatory sports practices. Read the full letter [here] and join us in advocating for a brighter, justice-oriented future for sport in the UK.
Together, we can make a difference.
Update: 3 Sep 2024
On 21 August 2024, FSL received a response from the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport. We are making this available here.
While we welcome this Government’s commitment to build a more active nation, we are disappointed by the continued reliance on the previous government’s approach and corresponding Sports Council Equality Group guidance. The SCEG guidance has been widely critiqued and has been described by Natalie Washington as “something that has been done to the trans community and not with the trans community”.
FSL believes that knowledge translation is currently going in the wrong direction: being dictated by government and organisations, rather than by expertise, best practice, and for the good of the community.
We will continue to advance our work, building Feminist Sport - a justice-oriented approach that transcends traditional gender norms, fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can participate and thrive.