Spaces and laces: insights from LGBT initiatives in sporting institutions

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine LGBT exclusion from sporting institutions, examining this as a phenomenon which takes place in specific spaces within these institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is developed which highlights the differences between initiatives to change heteronormative cultures at institutional levels and the levels of individual sporting spaces. This is applied to examples of heteronormative behaviour in sporting spaces and to diversity initiatives to promote LGBT participation in sport.

Findings

The paper argues that change initiatives are only effective if they engage with individual spaces within sports institutions rather than at a blanket institutional level.

Originality/value

The paper outlines links between similar findings in management and organisation literature and findings about sports organisations in the sports sociology literature. It outlines the role of institutions in both promoting LGBT inclusion in sport, but also in drawing LGBT participation towards mainstream heteronormative behaviours.

Citation

Lawley, S. (2020), "Spaces and laces: insights from LGBT initiatives in sporting institutions", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 33 No. 3, pp. 502-514. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-11-2018-0342