More than 25% of LGBTQ+ people within the Snowsport community have personally experienced or seen discrimination in a Snowsport setting, these are the initial findings from diversity and inclusion research commissioned by GB Snowsport, Snowsport England, Snowsport Scotland and Snowsport Wales. Further results, drawn from a previously announced research initiative focused on strengthening understandings of diversity and inclusion in Snowsport, show that almost 30% of people nationally see Snowsport as demonstrating high levels of LGBTQ+ diversity.

The findings, which are the first analysis made from wider research into diversity and inclusion in Snowsport, offer some encouragement around LGBTQ+ representation in the sport while sounding a clear note of caution that work is required to eliminate discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities.

Among GB Snowsport audiences, more than 10% of respondents noted recent efforts to increase representation and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in Snowsport suggesting higher levels of visibility can have a meaningful impact on perceptions within and outside of the sport.

The research outcomes will inform wider work by GB Snowsport and the Home Nations Governing Bodies in efforts to boost representation, diversity and inclusion across the British Snowsport scene and to ensure that Snowsport is as vibrant and welcoming a family of sports as possible in the coming years.

Commenting on the findings, Snowsport England Chief Executive Tim Fawke said: “It is really positive news on representation of LGBTQ+ within Snowsport, however it is critical that we address the fact that too many people from LGBTQ+ communities have seen or experienced discrimination in Snowsport communities.

“We will be working with the GBS and the other Home Nations and the wider Snowsport industry to consider the lessons learnt and the steps we will need to take together. As Snowsport England we will be doing everything we can to help make our clubs and culture as open, welcoming and supportive as possible”.