The conference was hosted as a multilingual (German/English) hybrid event in the Sport Arena Wien, Vienna, Austria, as part of Pride Month activities. The event brought together diverse perspectives on gender, diversity, and inclusion in sport, exploring topics ranging from current developments across grassroot sports in Europe to the experiences of LBTQI women in sport and the history of sex verification in elite sport.

The day-long conference opened with a panel discussion centred on the question: “How can sports clubs and federations become places where everyone feels safe, welcome, and a true sense of belonging? What challenges still exist, and what concrete steps are needed to make sport more inclusive?” The discussion featured Maud Böhm (SV Aufschlag Vienna), Nikola Staritz (Fairplay), and Lisa Ferent (Dynama Donau).

Drawing on lived experiences and practical examples, the panellists offered valuable insights into the structural barriers faced by gender-diverse communities in sport, the responsibility of federations and sport organisations to foster inclusion, and what a genuine “sport for all” approach looks like in practice. The discussion also explored how safer sporting environments can be created and sustained.

The conference continued with keynote presentations from Hugh Torrance (European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation – EGLSF), Sarah Townsend (ENGSO Equality Within Sport Committee), and Liam Strasser (100% Sport). Their presentations focused respectively on current developments across Europe (e.g. PLUSS Project), the experiences of LBTQI women in sport, and the history of sex verification in elite sport.

The second panel discussion “Perspectives of Diversity: LGBTQIA+ Advocacy Representatives in Conversation” focused on the experiences of intersex, trans, and non-binary people in sport. Speakers from VIMÖ – Verein Intergeschlechtlicher Menschen Österreich (Intersex self-representative Association), Homosexuelle Initiative (HOSI) Wien and 100% Sport highlighted how exclusion, uncertainty, lack of visibility, and unsafe environments continue to limit LGBTIQ+ participation. The discussion emphasized the need for explicit inclusion, awareness-raising, and low-threshold opportunities, especially for young queer people. It also underlined the importance of distinguishing between grassroots and elite sport, ensuring that community sport remains a respectful and safe space for participation, movement, and belonging for everyone, regardless of sex, gender identity, or gender expression.

The event concluded with an opportunity for participants to engage in sport together through a free sports programme facilitated by SV Aufschlag Vienna. Activities took place in mixed, gender-inclusive groups and were supported by an awareness team to help ensure a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants. The awa* – awareness collective was there to even more put an emphasis on creating a safe space for all.

The conference was thoughtfully designed and exceptionally well delivered, offering a powerful example of what sport can be when people, inclusion, and care are placed at its centre. It brought together over 100 participants both online and in presence.