Sexual Orientation
Definition
Sexual orientation refers to someone’s attraction to a person of the same sex, opposite sex, or both sexes.
People who are attracted only to persons of the opposite sex are known as heterosexual or straight. People who don’t identify as heterosexual or straight might describe themselves as being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, or use the umbrella term LGB. An LGB person can be single, in a relationship with another person of the same sex, or of the opposite sex, such as bisexual.
Some LGB people are ‘out’, which means that they openly acknowledge their sexual orientation, but many other LGB people keep their sexual orientation private, often because they are concerned about discrimination or prejudice.
Legislation
Great Britain

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful to directly or indirectly discriminate against or harass a person because of their sexual orientation.
Northern Ireland
Under the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (NI) 2006 it is unlawful to directly or indirectly discriminate against or harass a person because of their sexual orientation.
Useful websites
- The Justin Campaign – Campaigning against homophobia in football
- EHRC monitoring sexual orientation Guidance
- EHRC monitoring gender identity Guidance
Useful Organisations
- Pride Sports
- The Rainbow Project
- European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation
- Stonewall
- Stonewall Scotland
Case Studies
Irish Football Association – Sexual Orientation Staff Training
DOCX, 606.21 KB, 1 page
Publications
NI Equality Commission – Sexual Orientation Policy Priorities
PDF, 541.03 KB, 1 page
Final version of a literature review of sexual orientation in sport (December 2008)
PDF, 1.11 MB, 1 page
Summary of a literature review of sexual orientation in sport (November 2008)
PDF, 781.32 KB, 1 page