ABSTRACT
The positive effects of physical activity and sport on people’s health and well-being have been widely demonstrated. However, some population groups engage in physical activity and sport to a lesser extent than the general population, and LGBTQ people are one of these groups. Knowledge regarding the participation of LGBTQ people in PAS settings is thus of great relevance for informing programmes addressed to this population. Accordingly, this chapter presents an overview of the situation of LGBTQ people in physical activity and sport in the Spanish context. First, the sports legal framework in Spain and measures adopted by governments and LGBTQ associations to improve LGBTQ participation in PAS are introduced. Second, the findings of Spanish studies on this topic are discussed. Third, a recent research project conducted at a national level, which aimed to study a wide range of aspects related to Spanish LGBTQ people’s physical activity and sport participation, is presented, along with some preliminary results and potential future directions for addressing the knowledge gaps on this topic. The chapter concludes by highlighting the need for close collaborations between different actors to minimise potential barriers and improve LGBTQ people’s PAS engagement.
