A video posted by England Rugby profiles one of the nation's many rugby teams, the Manchester Spartans. Like any other rugby club, the Spartans provides camaraderie, friendship and homosocial bonding to its members. But one thing that makes this team unique is that the Spartans is a gay and inclusive club.
The video profile shows how the Spartans break down barriers using the power of sport to bring people together. Said one team member of his experience being a Spartan, “It was the confidence of having all these people behind me that made me realize I'm now prepared and happy to accept who I am.” He added, “I knew that the support I got from the Rugby team, if anybody rejected me and made me feel uncomfortable I've now got a true network of friends that will support me.”
There's good evidence to show that LGBT people often feel unwelcome in the world of sports due to homophobia, as the guys behind ASAPScience recently explained. So inclusive gay sports leagues like the Spartans play a pivotal role in providing LGBT people access to the world of sport in a way that is nurturing and safe.
Not only is the video moving, it also happens to be beautifully-shot.
Meet the Spartans, below:
