SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The Diversity in Racing Steering Group (DiRSG) has launched a new ‘e-learning module’ to improve LGBT+ awareness and inclusivity with UK racing.
The digital module has been launched to coincide with the month of PRIDE and has been further sanctioned as one of the mandatory licensing courses at the British Racing School and National Horseracing College.
DiRSG has made the module available to all racing stakeholders at no cost via Racing2Learn
The DiRSG was launched at the start of 2020, following research by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) which revealed that many individuals who identified as a sexual minority did not feel comfortable ‘coming out’ at work.
The working group seeks to influence social change and promote a diverse and fully inclusive industry, ensuring that racing provides a supportive environment for everyone who identifies as LGBT+ so they feel able to be their true selves without fear of discrimination.
David Letts, who is currently studying for a PhD in Diversity and Inclusion within British racing and is a member of the sub-group, said: “It is vital that we, as a sport, recognise and encourage diversity and inclusion at all levels; this education provides the basis for further developing our understanding of LGBT+ issues and their relevance within British horseracing.
“It is heartening to see the industry take a proactive approach to work in this area and particularly significant to be launching this e-learning during Pride month.”
New BHA Chair Annamarie Phelps, this month spoke to UK racing hierarchy on the importance of diversity and inclusion as key factors in the sport being able to recover its profile.
“I hope it will give everyone in racing the confidence to address questions about how to engage and embrace our current and growing LGBT+ community, and allow everyone in racing to be their true selves whether at work or having a great day out at the races,” Phelps said.
