Women were barred from the original Olympic games, yet Rome had women gladiators.
Down the centuries, the question of who can partake in sport has always been controversial and not least for the LGBTQ+ community. In the 20th century, thanks to advances in medical science, the focus has switched over to definitions of womanhood.
The 1930s saw numerous controversies over women athletes, including Mark Weston from Plymouth who had competed in the Olympics as a woman but, after an unspecified procedure at Charing Cross Hospital, began to live as a man.
These early controversies primarily featured people with intersex traits, and this pattern has continued. More recently there have also been controversies over the participation of trans people in sport.
Our panel discussion will look at the LGBTQ+ history of gender segregation in sport, and what that means for intersex and trans athletes today.
Panellists:
Cheryl Morgan (chair)
Sonja Erikainen
Samantha Walker
Noah Riseman
Verity Smith
A photography project to show and visibly represent the diverse faces of the LGBTQ+ community in Bristol. COVID delayed but hopefully coming soon.
Check out the project so far via the link below.
On Stonewall Rainbow Laces Day 2020, West Ham United’s LGBT supporters’ club 'Pride of Irons,' came together to promote the importance of the campaign during a challenging year, featuring a video featuring West Ham 1st team player Aaron Cresswell and Pride of Irons members.
Hosted by Sharifa James (Voice and Influence Partnership), our guests discuss their experiences of sport and exercise, and their thoughts on the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusive sports clubs and how we can encourage more LGBTQ+ people in Bristol to find joy and family in exercise.
Features:
- Sammy Walker (Player in the FA Women's National League and former striker for Bristol City Panthers FC)
- David Sully (LGBT Fitness and Exercise Class - based in St Werbughs Community Centre)
- Tomos Evans and Bernie Francis (Bristol Bisons RFC)
This panel was made possible thanks to a grant from the Voice and Influence Partnership's LGBTQ+ panel's community pot.
FvH is an international initiative that exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression at all levels of football. I took part in the 'Trans Women in Football' discussion with host Natalie Washington; Sophie Cook, Amber Evans and Naomi Reid.