an association promotes the inclusion of LGBT+ people in sport

Her goal is “to allow all its members, whatever their sexual orientation, the practice of sport and other leisure or cultural activities” : l’association the Rings of the Marais party this year his 10 years. “It was created by a couple of men who wanted to promote the inclusion of LGBT+ people in sports, leisure and competition”, explains Valentin, administrator of the association, which now has 87 members. Whether badminton remains the main activity of the associationit also offers “walking, leisure activities such as afterworks, board game evenings and one-off events such as introduction to sports”, confides Stéphanie, the assistant treasurer. The association Les Anneaux du Marais is “open to everyone, you just have to respect our values ​​of inclusion”indicates Valentin, who specifies that several heterosexual people are part of it.

Why decide to commit to the Anneaux du Marais? “The idea was to have a place where we could feel ourselves, without being afraid of the outside world”says Stephanie. “If you have a spouse of the same sex, there is no problem with that. We can exchange a kiss like a heterosexual couple would after a badminton doubles match, for example”continues Valentin. “It also allows you to meet people and discuss life paths, sometimes different, sometimes similar. »

An evolution of mentalities?

If Valentin and Stéphanie believe that the situation of LGBT+ people is not critical in Niort, although the city lacks LGBT+friendly places, being homosexual or transgender in a sports club can be complicated. “There is always fear of the gaze of others, we censor ourselves a lot”recalls Valentin. “It can also get stuck in the showers, we see unjustified fears arise among heterosexual people. And on the pitches there are little bird names like “We’re not fags”, it’s never very pleasant. »

Have attitudes changed in recent years? “Today, we have top athletes who open doors, who make their voices heard, who assume themselves as gay/bi/trans athletes, it’s a good thing, it allows us to move forward mentalities “explains Valentin. “We are also working on this at the local level, and overall, we are still well received by the people we meet. » Still, the fight is still far from being won, as evidenced by the recent refusal of some professional Ligue 1 football players to wear a jersey with rainbow flockingduring an action against homophobia and transphobia.

A volleyball team in the making

The association Les Anneaux du Marais wishes continue its local developmentwith the creation of new teams. “We would like to set up a volleyball team, it is close to the hearts of several members”confides Stéphanie, who invites those interested to get in touch (membership costs 18 euros per year). “It’s the only big project, because with 87 members, we’re not a huge association. We will see in a few years then if we can open up to other sports. » A second badminton team is also planned to participate in departmental competitions next season, and several members will participate in the Niort triathlon.

While the world day against homophobia and transphobia is being held this Wednesday, May 17, the association participated on Saturday in the second pride march organized in Niortwith a stand set up in the Visibility Village. “We are not on activism like other associations can do, and do it very well, in Niort”notes Valentin all the same. “We are mainly here to give a little visibility in sport and to have friendly moments between people from the LGBT + community and their allies. »