Creating inclusive spaces in tennis

Sport has the power to transform lives.

It can offer a unique space where you can step onto the court, shut off from the noise of the world and bring your true self to the game without fear of judgment.

As the great Billie Jean King - a true tennis legend - once said, "Don't let anyone define you. You define yourself."

Tennis has long been a pioneer in gender and LGBTQ+ inclusion, with trailblazing icons like King and Martina Navratilova paving the way for more LGBTQ+ athletes to participate authentically, and while challenges remain, I'm optimistic that there's a promising future on the horizon.

The LTA's commitment to inclusion

Pride month, celebrated in June, honours the LGBTQ+ community and commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal event in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

Nowadays, we use this opportunity to recognise the struggles and achievements of LGBTQ+ individuals, promote inclusion and advocate for equality.

Having worked in tennis for 12 years in various equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) roles, I've recently taken up the position of the LTA's EDI strategy manager.

My role involves leading tactical projects to improve our culture and to engage with underrepresented groups across tennis in Britain, with a key focus of my work in engaging with LGBTQ+ communities.

In 2021, the LTA launched its first Inclusion Strategy, placing inclusion at the core of its vision of 'Tennis Opened Up' and building a culture of everyday inclusion.

We wanted to be bold and ambitious, showing that tennis can be relevant, accessible, welcoming, enjoyable and inspiring for all.

Listening to and learning from underrepresented communities

Our journey began by listening to and learning from our underrepresented communities.

This led me to meet Ian Pearson-Brown - a player, coach, volunteer, and tennis enthusiast from the North East.

Ian was particularly interested in setting up a new LGBTQ+ tennis network, inspired by a similar initiative he had launched with Newcastle United Football Club.

With many connections and friendships within the LGBTQ+ tennis community, Ian felt the time was right - and so did we.

We hosted the launch of his new network, aptly named Pride in Tennis, at the National Tennis Centre during LGBT+ History Month in 2021.

Partners such as Pride Sports, Sports Media LGBT+, Sky Sports, and Sport England supported the launch, engaging in meaningful conversations with our tennis community.

The event was a roaring success and served as a launch pad for great things to come.

Building visibility and awareness

In summer 2022, our team and Pride in Tennis discussed key objectives and outcomes we wanted to achieve together.

While other Grand Slam nations like Australia and the USA explored the possibility of hosting 'Pride Days' at their events, we approached the idea cautiously, ensuring our narrative was strong and genuine.

Once we solidified our position and plans to avoid 'rainbow washing', we launched a new LGBTQ+ awareness initiative called 'Friday Pride Days'.

These days, featured during the grass court season, act as triggers for deeper conversations while the world watches British tennis.

During these events, we continuously highlight powerful stories from the LGBTQ+ community, showcasing their achievements and challenges in society and tennis.