Inclusion of LGBTI+ athletes in sports

29 Jun 2021, 11.00 AM - 12.00 PM

Copenhagen2021 is a combination of WorldPride and EuroGames held in Copenhagen and Malmö from 12-22 August. Leading up to this event, the Danish and Swedish Embassies in participation with the Dutch ministry of OCW held a virtual discussion of LGBTI+ equality and inclusion in sports. Watch the video of this webinar below.

The Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark are considered to be among the most progressive countries when it comes to LGBTI+ inclusion in society – but is this also true when it comes to sports? Recent research shows that particularly young LGBTI+ persons often don't feel safe and included at their sporting club and that this might be a reason for them to quit their sports.

Listen to personal stories, see practical examples and get inspired by the best practices from our three countries.

Last updated 24 Jun 2021, 3.36 PM

Laura van Beckhoven

Semi-pro Windsurfer and ambassador for Pride and Sports. Pride and Sports is the national sport umbrella organization, representing the interests of LGBTI+ athletes and sport organisations in the Netherlands. After starting her transition, she picked up windsurfing again and it became a ‘safe space’ where she could let go of all the stress caused by the transitioning process. Her sail number NED-1801 stands for 18-01-2017: the day Laura became herself by Dutch law. Being an ambassador for Pride and Sports, empowers her to pursue the dream to become the fastest windsurfing woman on earth and be a role model for those who need it. If you want to connect with Laura, her instagram is @laura.blij.ei and @Prideandsports.

Lou Manders (he/him)

As a swimmer and president of gay swimming club Nat Utrecht, Lou participated at EuroGames 2003 in Copenhagen. Enthousiast about the tournament and side events, he initiated and organized EuroGames 2005 in Utrecht. After that he became male co-president of the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation with (what else) EuroGames in his portfolio. In 2013 he became board member of the John Blankenstein Foundation and coordinator of the Alliance Equal Game. Lou believes that everybody should be able to explore their talents and enjoy the sport one loves to do regardless one's gender identity, gender expression and/or sexual preference.

Louise Eklund (she/her)

Equality and inclusivity have always been two key words in the football club FC Rosengård. With WorldPride taking place in Copenhagen and Malmö in 2021, the club has increased their efforts in making football more open and inclusive for everyone. During WorldPride, FC Rosengård will host workshops, Pride themed football tournaments and matches, and raise money for the LGBTQIA+ community. Louise Eklund, communications manager, is responsible for the inclusivity-project.

Embassy

Visiting address: Embassy of Sweden
Johan de Wittlaan 7
4th Floor
2517 JR Den Haag
Postal address: Embassy of Sweden
Postbus 85601
2508 CH Den Haag
Phone: +31 70 412 02 00
Fax: +31 70 412 02 11
Email: ambassaden.haag@gov.se ambassaden.haag-pass@gov.se

Phone: 020–800 35 80
E-mail: Amsterdam@swedishconsulate.nl

De Entree 139-141, 1101 HE Amsterdam

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Honorary Consul-General: Nils van Dijkman
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The consulate is located in the International Welcome Center North (IWCN) at Gedempte Zuiderdiep 98 in Groningen.

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Visiting hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 10:00-12:00
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Honorary Consul-General: Ben Vree
Phone (honorary consulate): +297 525 2585
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Italiëstraat 24
Oranjestad, Aruba

Consulate opening hours
Mon-Fri 9 am - 12 pm:

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Please note that it is not possible to apply for a Swedish passport or Swedish National ID-card at the consulate.
Honorary Consul: Yvonne H.M. Escalona
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Phone 5999-462 3089
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Friday 09.00-11.00
Honorary Consul-General: Lisanne Asjes
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