LGBTIQ+ athletes continue to face hate speech online, on the field, in the locker room, and across sport structures. Yet sport organisations often lack:

• the data to understand the scale of the problem,
• the tools to respond effectively, and
• the confidence to take action.

EOLHSS addresses this gap by combining research, awareness-raising, and practical interventions designed with and for sport actors.

Overall Objective

To raise awareness of LGBTIQ+ hate speech in sport, address its underlying causes, and support the creation of safer, more inclusive grassroots sport cultures across Europe.

Specific Objectives

• Gather fresh, robust data on LGBTIQ+ hate speech in sport
• Raise public and institutional awareness about its impact
• Develop practical tools, standards, and remedies for sport organisers
• Empower LGBTIQ+ athletes and amplify their stories
• Lay the groundwork for a long-term European Observatory on LGBTIQ+ Hate Speech in Sports

• Sport organisers seeking to prevent discrimination
• LGBTIQ+ athletes and sport participants who face hate speech
• Grassroots sport structures committed to inclusive practice

The project is structured in five main Work Packages:

WP1 – Project Management

Coordination, financial management, communication tools, visual identity, language guidance, steering group, and sustainability planning.

WP2 – Data Collection & Analysis

Literature review, development of monitoring strategies, active monitoring of hate speech, data analysis, and public presentation of findings.

WP3 – Awareness Raising 

Collecting personal stories, designing and executing a digital campaign, and amplifying the voices of LGBTIQ+ athletes affected by hate speech.

WP4 – Development of Interventions

Creation of standards, a self-evaluation tool, and an online training course; testing and refinement; mapping remedy pathways; and assessing impact.

WP5 – Dissemination & Accountability 

Communication strategy, two European roundtables, a dissemination campaign, and a final conference to mobilise stakeholders and scale action.

Short-Term

• A clear, evidence-based understanding of LGBTIQ+ hate speech in sport
• Increased visibility and public awareness
• New tools that sport organisations can start using immediately

Mid-Term

• Stronger standards for LGBTIQ+ inclusion across sport systems
• Motivated networks of practitioners, activists, and institutions
• A growing movement demanding accountability and systemic change

Long-Term

• The creation of a European Observatory on LGBTIQ+ Hate Speech in Sports, ensuring:

  • ongoing monitoring and reporting
  • support for affected athletes
  • development of new interventions
  • accountability mechanisms for sport organisations

A future where every LGBTIQ+ person can participate in sport without fear of abuse — online or offline.