LGBT inclusion in sport discussed at Dive In Festival event
Last Updated: 27/09/17 9:30pm
A collection of speakers came together at the Dive In Festival to discuss diversity and LGBT inclusion in sport.
The event, held at Lloyd's in the City of London on Tuesday evening, was titled 'A Winning Reputation' and comprised a panel featuring Premier League executive director Bill Bush, former Chelsea and England defender Graeme Le Saux, Wakefield Trinity rugby league star Keegan Hirst, and Sophie Cook, the first transgender woman to work in the Premier League.
The Dive In Festival, a global series of events organised by the insurance industry to promote inclusion in the workplace, is being held during the UK's National Inclusion Week.
Le Saux was subjected to homophobic abuse during his playing career, despite not being gay.
The 48-year-old believes football has come a long way since he was playing.
"What I went through, I have always looked at that and thought, 'well, I've gone through this and I hope others don't have to'," Le Saux told Sky Sports News.
Hirst, who was the first professional rugby league player to come out as gay, says his career has flourished since he shared his story two years ago. The 29-year-old left Batley Bulldogs last summer to play in Super League with Wakefield.
"My performance as a person, on and off the field, rocketed (after I came out). Players are very accepting of people from whatever backgrounds they come from (and with) sports fans, my experience has always been positive," said Hirst.
Bush has played a key role in championing the Premier League's visible support for LGBT charity Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign, while Cook - who came out as trans while working as the club photographer for Bournemouth - is an ambassador for football's equality and inclusion organisation Kick It Out.
Click play on the video above to hear the views of Bill Bush, Graeme Le Saux, Keegan Hirst and Sophie Cook as they discuss inclusion in sport.
