LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Vitality Roses of England during the Vitality Netball International Series match between England and Uganda at the Copper Box Arena on November 30, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images for England Netball)
Every year, the month of June marks Pride Month and across the netball community, many clubs, organisations and individuals have taken to their platforms to highlight and discuss their views on inclusivity and diversity in our sport.
Vitality Rose and Loughborough Lightning captain Nat Panagarry joined Sky Netball’s Off The Court and discussed her experience as an LGBT+ athlete in netball.
🗣️ "They definitely embraced me, not just the players and the staff, but all of the fans as well. I've never not felt like I could be who I am."
Nat Panagarry joined Off The Court and shared her experience as an LGBT+ athlete in #PrideMonth
— Sky Sports Netball (@SkyNetball) June 22, 2020
Speaking on the show, she said: “I’ve always felt that I’ve been celebrated for who I am and that’s how everyone should be.
“We’ve all got differences, we’re all unique and that should be something that we want to bring to the Netball Family and to the netball court.
“Netball, I think, is one of the most diverse [sports]. I’m always thankful for the netball community, Loughborough Lightning and the Vitality Roses for that.”
According to research by Stonewall, 4 in 10 LGBT+ people don’t think sport is welcoming.
Back in 2019, Sky Sports broadcast a brand new series called ‘I’m Game’, looking to challenge well-known figures’ perceptions and help to break down existing stereotypes on all sides.
Stand-up comedians Catherine Bohart and Sarah Keyworth joined the Vitality Roses in camp for a spot of training and you can watch the full episode here.
Pride Month: Watch the Vitality Roses on 'I'm Game'
Research shows four in 10 LGBT+ people don’t think sport is welcoming 📊📹 Sky Sports' 'I'm Game' series is all about challenging perceptions and helping to break down existing stereotypes.Watch the full episode of Catherine Bohart and Sarah Keyworth meeting the Vitality Roses in 2019 👉 skysports.com/netball/news/12415/11878020/rainbow-laces-catherine-bohart-and-sarah-keyworth-meet-england-roses-in-im-game
Posted by England Netball on Monday, June 29, 2020
England Netball is committed to being a Stonewall Diversity Champion. We want to create a workplace where LGBT+ staff can be themselves, driving performance, engagement and innovation.
We believe that sport should be inclusive and that nobody should miss out simply because of who they are.
Whilst we recognise that being a Stonewall Diversity Champion is important in providing a framework for us to develop our work in this area, we want to understand the issues which are unique to sport and how we can work to drive positive change. You can read more here.
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