Gender Roles and Homosexuality in Sports
Gender Roles & Homosexuality in Athletics
As society progresses, homosexuality becomes more prevalent and people become more comfortable with the subject of sexuality. Homosexuality is something that has dated back to Greek times, but just in the past 50-100 years has become more common; not that homosexuality did not exist, just that more people are becoming more comfortable and coming out. Gay and Lesbian people are all around us, weather it be the work place, schools, and specifically athletics. Many coaches, players, and athletic directors are gay and are becoming aware of the double standard and homophobia that exists in the heterosexual world, most commonly at the collegiate and professional level. Homophobia is the unreasoning fear or prejudice of homosexuals and homosexuality. It manifests itself in many different ways in the athletic world such as discrimination, name-calling, segregation and alienation. An estimated 10 percent of the population is gay which thus makes it a difficult subject to bring up and discuss. In 2002 the National Gay and Lesbian task Force reported that violence against the LGBT community has increased year from years 1998 to 2002. The molding and bending of gender roles in athletics contributes greatly to homophobia. For centuries sports have produced an image of masculinity. Fathers and sons have bonded over athletic prowess in a competitive environment. At a young age, males often use athletics to help create their own gender identity. This sometimes leads to homophobia and prejudice. Males use homophobia in athletics as a way of constructing their male identity especially in front of their piers. Unfortunately for females, their gender roles are somewhat reversed. Women are forced to be careful not to be “too physical” or “too tough”, for fear of people questioning their sexuality (Cashmore). Homophobia in athletics impacts many aspects of life such as one’s career, family and a team dynamic. Coaches and players are
As society progresses, homosexuality becomes more prevalent and people become more comfortable with the subject of sexuality. Homosexuality is something that has dated back to Greek times, but just in the past 50-100 years has become more common; not that homosexuality did not exist, just that more people are becoming more comfortable and coming out. Gay and Lesbian people are all around us, weather it be the work place, schools, and specifically athletics. Many coaches, players, and athletic directors are gay and are becoming aware of the double standard and homophobia that exists in the heterosexual world, most commonly at the collegiate and professional level. Homophobia is the unreasoning fear or prejudice of homosexuals and homosexuality. It manifests itself in many different ways in the athletic world such as discrimination, name-calling, segregation and alienation. An estimated 10 percent of the population is gay which thus makes it a difficult subject to bring up and discuss. In 2002 the National Gay and Lesbian task Force reported that violence against the LGBT community has increased year from years 1998 to 2002. The molding and bending of gender roles in athletics contributes greatly to homophobia. For centuries sports have produced an image of masculinity. Fathers and sons have bonded over athletic prowess in a competitive environment. At a young age, males often use athletics to help create their own gender identity. This sometimes leads to homophobia and prejudice. Males use homophobia in athletics as a way of constructing their male identity especially in front of their piers. Unfortunately for females, their gender roles are somewhat reversed. Women are forced to be careful not to be “too physical” or “too tough”, for fear of people questioning their sexuality (Cashmore). Homophobia in athletics impacts many aspects of life such as one’s career, family and a team dynamic. Coaches and players are
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