Conceived in 2021 by our Founder, Ian Pearson-Brown, who led a group of volunteers with a shared passion in equality in the sport, Pride in Tennis was officially launched in February 2022 in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association.
VISION
The vision of Pride in Tennis is to make tennis in the United Kingdom an environment which is safe and inclusive for all LGBTQ+ players, coaches, volunteers, officials and fans to be their authentic selves with confidence and without prejudice.
OBJECTIVES
Participation:
To increase participation in tennis as part of a wider strategy to improve health and wellbeing for the LGBTQ+ communities.
Support:
To provide support for LGBTQ+ tennis athletes, volunteers, coaches, officials and fans.
Network:
To grow and support a network of LGBTQ+ inclusive tennis venues, groups and spaces in Britain.
Visibility:
To promote visibility via positive role models and national LGBTQ+ tennis events; actively engaging with media and governing bodies by our Pride in Tennis ambassadors.
Education:
To provide education and guidance to providers on how to make their tennis offers more accessible and open to LGBTQ+ participants.
Challenge:
To work with the Lawn Tennis Association and other key partners in British Tennis to open tennis up by breaking down barriers, tackling unconscious bias, stigmas, and stereotypes that exist in the game, and to challenge homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
CORE VALUES
We actively promote and work towards a positive experience of LGBTQ+ individuals within tennis in the United Kingdom.
We are inclusive, promote equality, celebrate diversity and develop community, thus ensuring everyone feels welcome whatever their personal background and circumstances.
We work positively and creatively to overcome intolerance and prejudice of any kind.
We treat people with respect at all times. We avoid and challenge abusive or discriminatory language, behaviour and attitude.
We encourage and recognise enthusiastic volunteers.