England Boxing celebrates Pride Month

June 8, 2023 | by Chris Boyd

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England Boxing aims to create a sport that is accepting and inclusive of everyone, and so stands with the LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month.

LGBTQ+ Pride is celebrated annually throughout the month of June, to commemorate the Stonewall Riots that took place in New York City in June 1969.

Those riots marked the beginning of LGBTQ+ rights in America and around the world.

Pride Month is about celebrating the community, as well as promoting acceptance, equality, and inclusion. It also aims to highlight the issues that continue to face LGBTQ+ people.

While rights have continued to improve for the LGBTQ+ community, in England, hate crimes are on the rise, transphobia is a prevalent issue throughout society, and conversion therapy is still legal.

In short, there is still work to be done to improve the lives of the LGBTQ+ community in England, and beyond.

As an organisation, we want everyone to feel that the sport offers a safe space for them to attend and participate in physical activity.

According to Census 2021 results, approximately 1.5 million people in England and Wales identify as LGBTQ+, yet there are few boxers who are out in the sport.

It is our aim to educate our membership on LGBTQ+ issues, empower clubs to offer LGBTQ+ sessions and create welcoming spaces for everyone to engage with the sport, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.

We take great pride in celebrating all unique identities throughout our membership and hope this month we can all appreciate and celebrate our differences.

To learn more, visit Stonewall organisation by clicking here and the LGBT Foundation here.