Ramblings from the cricket season
Covid-19 and new opportunites for the LGBTQ+ community
It was a warm July day when we returned to play cricket for the first time this season. Although we knew the season would be short, I think everyone was relieved to be out there. Yes, there were restrictions in how we played the game, but these were pretty minor, the actual game didn’t fundamentally change, just some of the practices on the edges did. I quickly adapted although some players didn’t want to play, seeing the changes as a step too far which was surprising to me, but everybody had to make decisions that were right for them.
My season has been a struggle at times, not settling into any rhythm in any team. Being shuffled around the batting order and the occasional bowl have been the norm in the games I have played. I am grateful to have had those opportunities, and more recently, my efforts with the bat are getting some reward.
I am looking forward to our third team starting again next season and getting back to a greater sense of normality. I know what my role is in that team and having certainty, an identity, gives me the confidence to perform at my best. Being a fill-in player is always a struggle for me, doubly so given how little faith I have in my ability at the best of times!
During the lockdown, at the height of covid-19, cricket seemed like a distant memory, and it was doubtful we would play at all this year. I reflected a lot on loneliness, mental health and how the changing world was impacting on both. Cricket has always been a release for me, a way to help manage anxieties, stress and to get some exercise.
I attended a webinar in early summer where the Chief Executive of Birmingham LGBT, a charity I’ve been involved with over the last decade, spoke at length about the significant mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Many people had been cut off from their communities and friends. People forced into lockdown with family who don’t accept them or perhaps aren’t aware of their sexual identity, forcing them back into the closet. Support groups could no longer meet, and other people were in lockdown suffering in abusive relationships. This wasn’t easy to hear, but it is the reality faced by many in the community.
Tackling loneliness and supporting positive mental health can be achieved, at least in part, through sports. Finding that common bond in sports can be a gateway to new friendships and social networks. I knew that the LGBTQ+ community is still not well represented in cricket, something that has never sat comfortably with me. Reflecting on this, I decided it was time to do something about it. Following discussions with a teammate, Birmingham LGBT and other friends, I launched a survey to see whether there was a demand for an inclusive cricket team in the West Midlands that could represent the community. You can read more about that in the article below.
Whatever the outcome of the survey and subsequent discussions I know it has already raised the profile of the game in the region amongst the community. It has also given me a personal determination to do more for the community, hopefully through the medium of sports participation.
Our shortened season is almost over. I think I’ll get two, perhaps three more games. These will be the last few opportunities to make an impact before we mothball the ground and put it to bed for winter. This winter already feels like it will be a long one so I’m determined to make the most of these final games. I only hope that the weather holds out.
Early survey results are promising. I’m hopeful we can get a friendly team off the ground next year, even if to play a handful of games. It will give me a focus over the winter alongside work, club nets and writing. Whatever the outcome this year feels like it is a transition for me in the game. A year where I try to find a new place, a new role and a new purpose. Bringing the pleasure (and intense frustrations) of cricket to the LGBTQ+ community.
