Reviewing evidence of LGBTQ+ discrimination and exclusion in sport

Sport organisations continue to place a low priority on addressing the exclusion and discrimination experienced by LGBTQ+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning/queer, and sexual/gender diverse). It was previously thought this was due to a lack of quantitative evidence of a problem; however, over the past decade, a large body of quantitative research has been conducted, including two international studies, providing strong evidence that discriminatory behaviour remains common in sport and is harmful to this population. In this paper, the authors summarise existing quantitative evidence and consider why sport organisations continue to be slow to address LGBTQ+ exclusion. They argue sport management scholars are in a unique and privileged position to address current resistance to action and drive change through conducting research aimed at identifying pragmatic, practical approaches to end harmful discriminatory behaviours. Finally, the authors describe why such research has the potential to mitigate harm while also advancing the discipline in ways described as being needed by leading scholars.There is strong evidence that LGBTQ+ people experience discrimination in sport.Sport managers remain resistant to addressing the harm caused to this community.Solution-focused research is needed to identify ways to overcome this resistance.Sport management scholars are in a privileged position to lead these investigations.Leading this research could mitigate harm while helping to advance the discipline.