PRIDE in Archery

By PRIDE I don’t mean just my pride in the sport, I mean the full LGBTQ+ PRIDE, Rainbows, glitter and all!

2.2% of the UK population identified as LGB in 2018. It is a community that is growing, with more of the population becoming comfortable with expressing themselves and their sexuality.

So Abi I hear you ask, why are you writing a blog post for Pride month?

For those who don’t know much about me, I am 22 years old and live with my absolutely crazy Golden Retriever –  Maple. I left University with a BA (Hons) in Education Studies. I shoot Barebow and became a level 1 Archery coach in my second year of University. I have been working for Aim4Sport for nearly a year now.

And I identify as a proud BISEXUAL WOMAN!

The reason why I am comfortable with my identity and why I came out was due to the Archery community. I started Archery when I was in University and have never met such a diverse group of people! I had been questioning my identity for years but had never felt like I had a community that I could be me in, without judgement. Within the Club I belonged to and others that I met throughout my journey, I came across so many people who weren’t afraid to be themselves. I proudly wear my Rainbow and Bisexual flag pins on my quiver and I have rainbow shoe laces covering the rest and no one bats an eye.

I can’t speak for everyone’s experience, but I can share mine with you. I want all the Archers I coach, work with or who are in my club to know, no matter your: age, gender, religion, sexuality, that you can come and talk to me about anything, that it is a safe space. For those who identify as LGBTQ+ that you can express yourself and you have an ally and a friend.

We are making so many positive steps towards an inclusive sport, so let’s see more mixed gender competitions, let’s ask people what their preferred pronouns are. Let us pave the way for the next generation in the sport, making the steps to ensure our Archery community makes everyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ feel safe and welcome.

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH YOU FABULOUS QUEENS!!!

Author Archives: Abi Schofield-Basham

I have been doing Archery for around 4 years now and have been a coach for around two years, starting the sport in my first year of university.
 
I shoot Barebow and yes, I may be a little bias towards it, but it is the style I fell in love with and holds a special place in my heart.
 
I’ve been working at Aim4Sport for nearly a year now in both the shop as well as coaching. I do an array of different types of coaching but the project I am most proud of being part of is our Jnr Club. I love working with the next generation of archers. It’s definitely put my BA (Hons) in Education Studies to good use ahah!

I love the sport and I strive to make it a more inclusive space for everyone no matter their, Age, Gender, Religion or Sexuality

 I am a huge activist for taking our sport forward into the future!