Despite Taekwondo having gender categories for competition, there is no reason why the sport can’t be accessed by all, regardless of sexual orientation. We are aware that those who identify as LGBTQ+ experience high levels of discrimination within sport, with 4 in 10 feeling that sport is not welcoming, according to Stonewall UK. As a sport, we do not tolerate discrimination or prejudice of any kind.

British Taekwondo work closely with Pride Activity Network as part of Manchester Active, the Manchester based LGBTQ+ active partnership network and other groups in the community to continue to show allyship and support for participants, coaches, supporters and volunteers.

We welcome other LGBTQ+ organisations and groups to get in touch with us to discuss how we can support Taekwondo in your local area and would also like people within the Taekwondo community to reach out to support where possible.

Women make up 51% of the general population of England but unfortunately this statistic is not currently reflected in the volunteering, playing or coaching membership of British Taekwondo.

According to recent insight,

only 14% of girls aged 5-16 achieved recommended levels of physical activity (Sport England Active Lives, 2018)

and

26% of women are doing less than 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week (Sport England Active Lives, 2019),

with 42% of women not active enough for good health (Public Health England, 2019).