A want or a need? Exploring the role of grassroots gay rugby teams in the context of inclusive masculinity

Abstract

ABSTRACT There is a long history of researching the ways that the roles and conceptualizations of gender and sexuality are entwined within sport. More recently, there has been an argument within sociology that homophobia is decreasing across Western sports, supposedly reflecting a decline of homophobia across society more generally and crucially, in a way that suggests cultural spaces have been opened up in which ‘inclusive’ conceptualizations of masculinity can be performed. This project adds to these debates, by bringing inclusive masculinity theory into conversation with research that has begun to recognize the plurality of (particularly urban) gay spaces for the first time. It does so by exploring the motivations behind gay men joining (what was at the time of writing), the most recently formed grassroots UK gay rugby team. The findings suggest that whilst players recognize more inclusive masculinities and a decline in homophobia across society more generally, it is in actual fact amongst the gay community itself that difficulties arise. Playing rugby in a gay-friendly team not only offers a safe space to perform inclusive masculinities, but to embody a more inclusive range of homosexualities as well.