Clubbers want LGBTQ+ training for security staff

Clubbers want security staff to undergo LGBTQ+ awareness training to safeguard venues and events, according to a new study.

More than 550 regulars at LGBTQ+ venues and club nights highlighted several safety issues linked to changing audience dynamics, in a paper produced by academics from Glasgow Caledonian University, the University of Northampton, and WaterBear College of Music.

Respondents credited the mainstream success of RuPaul's Drag Race UK with an increase in the number of heterosexuals attending venues across the country.

Many who participated in the study welcomed the inclusion of allies into their space.

However, there was widespread support for security staff to make it clear that the venues are first and foremost a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.

Daniel Baxter, senior lecturer in Tourism and Events at Glasgow Caledonian University and one of the authors, said: "The security sector has a duty of care to ensure staff are trained and have quality training in this area.

"The door staff aren't trained in this. Without proper training around equality, diversity and inclusion, they are being set up to fail. How can they manage the changing of audiences, if we don't equip them with the right skills?"

The study, published in the International Journal of Event and Festival Management, was co-authored with Claire Leer, of the University of Northampton, and Steve Jones, of WaterBear College of Music.