A large proportion of the current top Dutch hockey players, around 40 per cent, believe that it is difficult to come out in their world.

This is evident from a study commissioned by the Alliantie Gelijkspelen 4.0 (Equal Play Alliance 4.0). The study also states that most men in top-level hockey say they have no problem with homosexuality. However, they do indicate that making homophobic jokes is still fairly normal. For example, almost half of the respondents indicate that ‘homo’ or ‘sissy’ are used as swear words in hockey.

According to the hockey players, the strong heteronormative culture in men's top-level hockey is one of the reasons why it is still so complicated. They indicate that comments on and around the pitches about homosexuality are usually meant as a joke and are often not – consciously or intentionally – intended to hurt homosexual men.

Male top hockey players give an average score of six out of ten for the general acceptance of homosexuality and bisexuality within men's top-level hockey, with 40 per cent giving a score below six. It is striking that the respondents rate their own acceptance highest (7.7). However, this acceptance is still limited, as 1 in 10 top hockey players indicate that they still have some difficulty showering with a gay or bisexual man. The resistance is even greater with regard to trans men. 16% also finds it offensive when two men kiss each other at the club.

The results of this study provide the Alliantie Gelijkspelen with valuable insights into how to improve LGBTI acceptance in men's (top-level) hockey. Together with the KNHB, the alliance wants to use a campaign and workshops to make stakeholders more aware of the heteronormative culture and homophobia in men's top-level hockey. Furthermore, the results make it clear that it is necessary to focus on the personal responsibility of the important stakeholders in top-level hockey. This also applies to male top players, as there is little support among them for changing the existing macho/heteronormative culture at their own clubs.

The players see their trainers/coaches as having a particularly important responsibility. Through further education and training, the Alliantie Gelijkspelen wants to make trainers in sport more capable of dealing with differences in sport and how they can contribute to a more inclusive sport. For this reason, the Alliantie Gelijkspelen will engage in dialogue with trainers and other stakeholders in top-level hockey. This will start with an interview with both national coaches, which will be published next week on www.sportknowhowxl.nl and a podcast with two former international players, which can be listened to via this link. link. The Alliantie Gelijkspelen (Equal Play Alliance) has also adopted the recommendation for a follow-up study, and next year an in-depth qualitative study will be conducted into the experiences of LGBTI people in top-level hockey. The full report by the Mulier Institute can be found at this link. link.

The results are based on research conducted by the Mulier Institute on behalf of the Alliantie Gelijkspelen (Fair Play Alliance), which has been implementing a policy programme since 2008 on behalf of the Ministries of Education, Culture and Science and Health, Welfare and Sport, aimed at promoting the acceptance of homosexuality in the world of (organised competitive) sport. The Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB) is part of the Alliantie Gelijkspelen 4.0, alongside the John Blankenstein Foundation (penvoerder), NOC*NSF, the Football Association (KNVB) and Stichting Roze Voetbal Fanclubs.

See here the Infographic with the main conclusions of this study.

Contact person: Stephan Hakkers, stephan.hakkers@johnblankensteinfoundation.nl

06-24134038

Research Coordinator, Fair Play Alliance 4.0

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