WorkPride Panel: Hit Me with Your Best Shot! The Reality of Sports for the LGBTQ+ Family

Studies from Out on the Fields (2015) and OutSport (2019) show some shocking, though not surprising results: 80% of both queer and straight people have witnessed or experienced homophobic behaviour in sports, while 43% of football fans have witnessed homophobic behaviour while attending a game.

Being LGBTQ+ in the sports industry is still a difficult reality, as prejudice is still very much present and often associated with toxic masculinity performed by straight counterparts. This panel promises to explore the obstacles of being queer and participating in sports, as well as strategies for sports organisations to help the community overcome these obstacles.

Speakers:

Michael Gunning

Professional Athlete / TV Personality
UK/EU

Michael Gunning is best known as a international competitive swimmer having attended two FINA World Swimming Championships. Holding dual Jamaican and British citizenship, he represented Team GB in the European LEN Cup and after the Rio Olympic Games he changed alliances to represent his fathers heritage of Team Jamaica. Gunning took a break from competing in the Summer of 2018 to participate in the award-winning television series 'The Bi Life' for E! Entertainment & NBC Universal. It was Michael's first public discussion of his sexuality, making him the Caribbean’s first openly gay athlete / swimmer. Since then, Michael is a regular pundit and avid speaker for the sport and recently partnered with Sky Sports, Stonewall and Athlete Ally as a Professional Ambassador/Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in sport. With a heavy passion for TV Presenting and educational background in Children’s Entertainment, he welcomes new and exciting media opportunities in the world of entertainment.

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Arthur Webber

Communications Support Officer
London Youth

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Devin Ibañez

Customer Success Manager and Public Speaker
myGwork

Devin Ibañez is the first openly gay Major League Rugby player and is dedicated to LGBTQ+ advocacy in sport. He hopes to inspire the next generation of LGBTQ+ athletes and make sport an inclusive space for them. Raised in Boston, MA, Devin played for Major League Rugby team, the New England Free Jacks, in their 2019 exhibition season. He won a gold medal while representing Team USA at the 2017 World Maccabiah Games in Israel. He also won the 2018 D1 National Championship with his club team, Mystic River Rugby Club. When not playing, Devin has coached rugby at Westlake Boys High School in New Zealand, his alma mater Brookline High School and most recently with the Northeast Academy. He holds a degree in sport management and education from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Devin was announced Global Ambassador for International Gay Rugby (IGR) in May 2021. He is now looking towards a career in Public Speaking and Community Engagement. As of December 2023, Devin joined myGwork as a Customer Success Manager, the largest global business community for LGBTQ+ professionals and inclusive employers.

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Cleo Lyn (she/her)

Projects Coordinator
New hospital programme

Many years of experience in events and operations. Currently looking for the next opportunity that I can use my skills for in helping an organisation strive to be best.

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Joanie Evans

Co President
Federation of Gay Games

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	Date & Time	Jun 23, 2022 12:00 EDT
	Location	Online