T
he final phase of the University of Exeter’s Athletic Union’s ‘Come Out an Play’ initiative was launched online last week.
The latest development invites lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students to share their stories and experiences of sport in Exeter as an LGBT individual.
The aim is to show that the majority of LGBT students have positive experiences of sport at university, and to encourage others to get involved.
Athletic Union President Jack Bristow told Exeposé: “In my experience, the majority of LGBT students who get involved in sport at Exeter have a positive experience.
“This part of the campaign is about sharing those experiences to show people that you can be open about your sexuality and still enjoy sport.”
One of the major focuses in Jack’s manifesto upon becoming Athletic Union President was to empower LGBT students in sport.
The ‘Come Out and Play’ campaign was established in an effort to fulfil this, aiming to challenge the idea that sport is an unwelcoming environment for people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBTQ+) and raise awareness of the issues faced by LGBTQ+ students.
Alicia Gibbs, Ladies Football Club Captain shared her story. She said: “The ladies football club has always been diverse, and includes people of all sorts of backgrounds and identities.
“I am very pleased to say that any member’s sexuality has always been accepted on the same basis as any other part of their identity, and has never led to anyone being treated differently within the club.”
‘Come Out and Play’ stories can be found on the Guild website, and all students are welcome to share their own stories and experiences.