Written by Machi Orime, Maitri Manjunath and Mwamba Nyanda
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Machi (Sport for Creating Pathways, Japan)
It was a fantastic opportunity to learn about the situation of LGBTQIA+ people in different countries and the unique work carried out for the LGBTQIA+ community through sport. I could also see how cultural backgrounds affect the barriers that the LGBTQIA+ community face. It
reminded me that we must closely look at social issues from local perspectives. I've found various clues to expand our work for the LGBTQIA+ community, such as paying attention to intersexuality, increasing community engagement, and collaborating with other institutions.
Maitri (People's Ultimate League, India)
The 'We Are ONSIDE' panel discussion gave People's Ultimate League (PUL) a wonderful opportunity to interact with other groups with similar interests from all over the world. The experiences shared by the participants and the challenges they faced on field were valuable take home information for us; some were relatable experiences for us and the communities we are working with, making us realise the potential for future collaborations with these other groups. In addition, it was heartening to see the participation in the Q&A session. Queries and points raised there will be good learning points for our initiatives. We look forward to more such conversations, and in the process, learn more from each other towards achieving our goals
Mwamba (Tanzania Trans Initiative, Tanzania)
Participating in the 'We Are ONSIDE' conversation gave me the realisation that LGBTQIA+ people need to take and make spaces for themselves within sports. By collaborating with other organisations working with these communities, we can gain knowledge, ideas and strategies that will work to bring equality and inclusion to sport.
NEXT STEPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Maitri (People's Ultimate League, India)
In order to keep these conversations going forward, I would suggest we have sessions where each group focuses on their short term specific goals, what has worked and what hasn't worked for them. This could be a platform for all of us to brainstorm and benefit from each others' knowledge.
Machi (Sport for Creating Pathways, Japan)
I would love to have more inspiring conversations like this. It would be interesting to invite people from sports organisations and athletes to the discussion as well as groups working with LGBTQIA+ communities. I believe the perspectives from different sectors will allow us to extend the conversation and discuss how we can work together for LGBTQIA+ communities in and through sports.
Mwamba (Tanzania Trans Initiative, Tanzania)
I think it is vital that we remain connected with this network and continue sharing ideas, opportunities and learnings about working with and advocating for LGBTQIA+ communities within sports.
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