Over the Rainbow: True LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Tennis
I was nervous about wearing my partner’s rainbow wristbands to a group tennis session today.
There was no reaction, but I realised I couldn’t remember ever seeing queer symbolism at any local courts I’ve played at.
Now I understand that on one level, there may be some tiredness towards corporations whacking a rainbow onto a product and saying they’re supportive of LGBTQ+ equality - known as ‘rainbow washing’. (I’m looking at you M+S – we will never forget that sandwich.)
However, in places where there’s little to no LGBTQ+ presence – such as tennis courts – can the rainbow have a positive effect?
I think the answer is yes for the most part. There’s been a huge increase in discussion around LGBTQ+ presence – or rather lack of presence – in football thanks to Stonewall’s rainbow laces initiative. Symbolic visibility in spaces which aren’t traditionally inclusive of queer people, such as sport, may lead people to feel like they can be themselves and/or feel like it’s safe to keep coming back.
The rainbow is easily the most globally recognisable symbol when it comes to queer inclusion, with many evolving versions over the years, culminating in the 2018 progress pride flag by Daniel Quasar. Some people may find it too loud but, if we’re not purposely loud in spaces we’ve historically been kept quiet in, is anyone really going to listen?
A symbol might be seen, but we also need to be heard. This is where tennis at all levels needs to show more than symbolically how it is queer inclusive. This is where it comes down to policy and practice. What are clubs doing to ensure equality and diversity?
Do they have anti-bullying and harassment clauses that specifically prevent homophobia? Do they somehow discriminate in their hiring practices? And how have they prepared to deal with any backlash from opposing parties?
Even though tennis seems to have a huge online queer fan base and openly-LGBTQ+ icons such as Billie Jean King at the heart of the community, pro-tennis only recently started acknowledging the need for progress.
Two of the four grand slams have hosted Pride activities, while the LTA have put on Pride celebrations at all their tour level events. More of a conversation was provoked among players as a result of this presence, with Liam Broady in particular showing himself as a brilliant ally.
It’s time to build on this momentum by making sure players, fans and others understand the meaning behind these symbols.
We need to make sure that queer voices are heard in the world of tennis at all levels, from grassroots to the pro tours – and all year round, not just during Pride events.
Next year I hope to see a few more rainbow wristbands around. I commit to carry on wearing mine. But more than that, I hope tennis clubs, governing bodies and the like continue to explore what more they can do to be truly queer-inclusive.
About the author – Jordan Holt (he/him) started playing at age 18 after forever wishing he could play tennis at school instead of hockey. He plays regional LTA tournaments around London where he does his best to avoid playing teenagers who hit you off the court. He hopes to travel to international GLTA tournaments this year.