Objective: Sports practice is beneficial and protective for physical, psychological and social levels, contributing to reducing the effects of chronic stress and other health risks. Nevertheless, for LGBTQI+ athletes these benefits are not guaranteed considering the discrimination and social exclusion they face in sports contexts. This research aims to understand the experiences of LGBTQI+ people in sports in Portugal, focusing on good practices and protective factors, as well as experiences of discrimination, risk factors and other challenges in managing their LGBTQI+ identity in sports. Design and Method: A total of 36 athletes (ages M=28.83; SD=5.48) with experience across 28 different sports participated in an individual semi-structured interview. Of these, 19 self-identified as women, 13 as men (including 3 trans men) and 4 as non-binary. Among all, 13 self-identified as lesbian women, 6 as gay men, 6 as bisexual, 6 as queer, 2 as pansexual and 3 as heterosexual (trans men). A thematic analysis was utilized to identify interviews’ recurrent themes and insights. Results: Preliminary results showed that all athletes identify forms of discrimination against LGBTQI+ people in sports, suggesting that gender norms and stereotypes are connected to the type and intensity of discrimination, as queer men are the biggest target of discrimination in traditionally masculine sports (e.g., football). Although participants generally supported (some kinds of) trans people’s integration in sports, they recognize the discrimination across sports contexts, particularly affecting trans women. (Inter)national federations and clubs should be more active against LGBTQI+ discrimination, creating and implementing campaigns, zero tolerance policies and specific training for sports staff, as athletes report feeling safer when these practices are implemented. Conclusions: Findings support the conclusion that, although some athletes can find safe places, the sport context is not experienced as a safe space for most LGBTQI+ people. Active anti-discrimination practices are needed to allow LGBTQI+ people to have access to all sports benefits.

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