Sport: a leveller

Encouraging news.

A survey in the United States confirms that sport is "racially progressive" - in simple terms, sport provides more equality than other tiers and forms of society.

The figures within the piece could form the basis for a dozen seperate theses.

But the headline fact is it is confirmation that sport does provide a framework for people to be seen as equals. Confirmation that once you cross onto the pitch/court/arena, the colour of someone's skin is rightfully not an issue.

It is credit to all those agencies, professional bodies and organisations that have highlighted that sport has no place for discrimination at all.

But sadly the same cannot be said for homophobia within sport.

In many ways the LGBT community face greater discrimination within sport then in the rest of society.

Football, for instance, has yet to have its "Jackie Robinson" moment.

This must change.

A quote in the linked article, attributed to a world champion boxer, states: "You need more black athletes doing more positive things."

Substitute "black" for "gay" and the message is the same for the LGBT community.

Regular readers of the blog will know that we are not actively seeking to "out" a footballer - merely to support him or her when they make a very personal decision.

But when such an occassion happens, it will be a massive step along the way.

If anything this report sums up what many of us fighting for equality know: that sport is the ultimate leveller.

Fighting homophobia is more important than austerity

The drive to make budget cuts is dominating the political scene throughout the western world.

Everyone is being forced to cut back on luxuries as taxes and unemployment increase.

Aside from the obvious impact on the public sector, the voluntary and third sector is also set to suffer from the withdrawal of money from Governments.

It is a worrying time for all.

But the head of a major think tank has urged that promoting equality in sport should not fall victim to the belt-tightening measures.

Laurent Thieule, head of Sport and Citizenship, adds that sport plays a crucial role in promoting equality in society.

The fight against racism in the UK is just one example of where highlighting an issue on the field can lead decision makers off it.

But without comparatively minuscule pots of money, progress could not have been made.

It is therefore crucial that people listen to Thieule's words and continue to push for something which is morally right.

Equality is not a luxury, it is a basic human right.

Justin: a figurehead and a footballer

The Justin Campaign is extremely proud to have Justin Fashanu as its figurehead.

Yet, apart from the cruel and tragic way his life ended, not much is known about Justin the person, Justin the footballer and Justin the entertainer.

Here Juliet Jacques talks about Justin's short time playing for Torquay - an unfashionable side which is based in a Devon seaside resort.

This brilliant article is just a small insight into what made Justin tick and how he handled the abuse which came his way, not only for being gay but also for being black.

Perhaps this is why others have not followed in his footsteps?