Attitudes Toward Gay Men and Lesbians Among Heterosexual Male and Female Student-Athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore attitudes toward lesbians and gay men among 371 heterosexual male and female collegiate student-athletes in the USA. Attitudes were assessed in relationship to the student-athletes’ gender, sport and contact. Participants completed a demographic form and the Attitudes toward Lesbians and Gay Men (ATLG-S) Scale (Herek in Journal of Homosexuality 10:39–51, 1984, Journal of Sex Research 25:451–477, 1988). Male student-athletes were significantly more negative in their attitudes toward gay men and lesbians than females. With the exception of field hockey, there were no significant differences in the attitudes toward gay men and lesbians for student-athletes competing on different sport teams. Lastly, student-athletes that indicated having contact with gay men and/or lesbians had significantly more positive attitudes toward gay men and lesbians.