Nobody needs a label’: Responses on Facebook to a Team GB equity, diversity and inclusion initiative
Average rating
Cast your vote
You can rate an item by clicking the amount of stars they wish to award to this item.
When enough users have cast their vote on this item, the average rating will also be shown.
Star rating
Your vote was cast
Thank you for your feedback
Thank you for your feedback
Authors
Devonport, Tracey
Biscomb, Kay
Leflay, Kath
Richardson-Walsh, Helen
Richardson-Walsh, Kate
Thelwall, Mike

Issue Date
2022-12-31
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
In support of the UK Stonewall Rainbow Laces Campaign, which focuses on supporting LGBTQ+ people, the British Olympic Association “Team GB” changed their Facebook logo to ‘Team LGBT+’ for a Day. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we assessed public reactions to an official Facebook post explaining the temporary logo change. During polarised debate, opposition was rarely expressed using directly homophobic sentiments but instead argued that the initiative was divisive by highlighting difference and would be ineffective, reflecting defensive conservative strategies to avoid supporting marginalised groups. Others, engaging in substantial online discussions, claimed to be upset about LGBTQ+ issues being forced on them. Proponents explained the purpose of the Day and the positive impact it could have. Findings suggested the importance of explaining that supporting one marginalised group does not undermine the rights of others, the ongoing difficulties that many face, and that the current situation is not a level playing field.Publisher
Taylor & FrancisJournal
Sport in SocietyAdditional Links
https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/fcss20Type
Journal articleLanguage
enDescription
This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis (in press). The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.ISSN
1743-0437Collections
Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/