Support for trans and non-binary people and communities to be more active

By GM Moving | 01 August 2024 | TAGS: LGBTQ+

At GM Moving, our shared purpose is to change lives through participation in movement, physical activity, and sport.

Our mission is active lives for all. This means doing everything we can to understand and remove the barriers that communities face.

We can only achieve this by working in partnership with the people who experience those barriers.

Some people and communities face bigger barriers and inequalities to being active.

This is seen in the data from the Sport England Active Lives survey which tells us that 40% of trans and non-binary people in Greater Manchester are inactive, compared to around 28% of the wider population.

For trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse young people, 52% feel their gender identity has affected their ability to take part in sport.

This is due to the inequalities that exist in society.

Research from Pride Sports also tells us that within the trans community:  

• 42.2% avoid gyms
• 39% avoid clubs or social groups
• 17% avoid public spaces such as parks

We are excited to start a new partnership with LGBT Foundation and The Proud Trust to explore this and understand what needs to change.

Claire Tomkinson, Strategic Lead for People & Leadership at GM Moving, said:

“Insight tells us that trans and non-binary communities face some of the biggest barriers to being active. This has an unfair impact on health and wellbeing.

"We can all help people live more active lives. We can make a real difference when we work together and understand peoples' experiences.

"I'm really looking forward to working with LGBT Foundation and The Proud Trust to create lasting change across GM”

Daniel Walsh, Head of Contract Development at LGBT Foundation, shared:

“We are delighted to be working with GM Moving on this exciting project.

"By amplifying the voices of trans and non-binary people, we hope to ensure that community members across Greater Manchester feel comfortable and supported to access sport and physical activity in safe and inclusive environments.”  

Susie Cuthill, CEO at The Proud Trust, said of the partnership:

“LGBT+ young people often face barriers to participating in physical activity, which can lead to poor wellbeing and overall health.

"We want LGBT+ young people to find joy in movement and reap the benefits that come with that.

"That is why we are delighted to be partnering with GM Moving to make access to sport and physical activities exciting and welcoming for LGBT+ young people.”

We will be working together until September 2025. Our collective aim is to:

• Influence change
• Develop key messages and recommendations
• Improve the skills, knowledge and confidence of the workforce
• Build lasting relationships with key partners in this space
• Ensure that trans and non-binary communities are leading the way

More information around our LGBTQ+ Commitment to Action can be found on our website.

For more information on the partnership, please contact [email protected].