From November 29th to December 1st, 2024, partners of the Erasmus+ funded PLUSS project, led by the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF), gathered in Ghent, Belgium for a productive and collaborative meeting. This was an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the presence and sustainability of grassroots LGBTQI+ sports clubs across Europe.
Key Highlights of the Meeting
The meeting offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on the progress made so far, evaluate completed activities, and plan the next steps of the project. Six partner grassroots LGBTQI+ sports clubs, from diverse European backgrounds, presented updates on the ongoing implementation of their development strategies. These clubs are:
- Queer Sport Split (Croatia)
- Out for the Win (Belgium)
- Atlasz Sport Club (Hungary)
- Out in Slovenia (Slovenia)
- Team München (Germany)
- Pan Idræt København (Denmark)
The clubs shared positive results achieved through the project, particularly in terms of increased participation and enhanced sustainability. This progress has been facilitated by the use of specialized mentors and an Action Learning facilitator, whose role has been to guide the clubs in overcoming challenges, share experiences, and foster mutual support. One of the most impactful sessions was held in Ghent, where partners could directly engage with each other, brainstorm solutions, and strengthen their collaborative efforts.
Research and Insights into LGBTQI+ Sport History
A key part of the meeting was dedicated to research conducted by the German Sport University of Cologne, a partner in the project. The university is leading an important study on the history of the LGBTQI+ sports movement in Europe. During the meeting, they presented preliminary findings from a survey launched in the summer of 2024. The survey, which received responses from 83 LGBTQI+ sports clubs across more than 25 European countries, provides invaluable insights into the evolution, challenges, and impact of LGBTQI+ sports communities in Europe.
Upcoming Documents and Resources
A significant focus of the meeting also revolved around two crucial documents set to be launched next year. These documents aim to create lasting, positive change in the sports sector for LGBTQI+ individuals:
- The ‘Purple Policy Paper’: This policy paper will present a comprehensive set of recommendations for decision-makers at all levels of sport. It will focus on removing the barriers of discrimination that many LGBTQI+ people face in sports, offering practical, actionable guidelines to make sport more inclusive.
- The Community Guidelines: Designed for both LGBTQI+ and mainstream sport leaders, these guidelines will provide practical advice on how to foster greater participation of LGBTQI+ individuals in sports. The document will also advocate for the rights of LGBTQI+ people in society at large, reinforcing the importance of inclusion, equality, and respect within the sporting world.
Looking Ahead
The meeting in Ghent underscored the collective determination of the PLUSS project partners to create meaningful and sustainable change in LGBTQI+ sports across Europe. By supporting grassroots clubs, gathering data on the LGBTQI+ sport movement, and developing important policy frameworks, the project is making strides toward a more inclusive sporting environment for all.
Stay informed about the PLUSS project’s progress and upcoming activities through our social media channels, newsletter, and the dedicated section on the EGLSF website.
Keep up to date through our social media, newsletter and the PLUSS dedicated section in the
EGLSF webpage! +PLUSS PROJECT - EGLSF.info
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