Collegiate coach attitudes towards lesbians and gay men

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to examine attitudes towards lesbians and gay men among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I, II, and III coaches. Coaches ( N = 290) from NCAA Division I (21%), II (22%), and III (56%) member institutions representing 31 different sports completed the Attitudes towards Lesbians and Gay Men scale and a demographic questionnaire. Overall, coaches reported generally positive attitudes towards lesbians and gay men. No significant gender x division interaction was found with respect towards attitudes towards lesbians and gay men, Pillai’s Trace = .023, F(4, 494) = 1.419, p = .227, ηp 2 = .011. Male coaches reported significantly more negative attitudes than female coaches, Pillai’s Trace = .046, F(2, 247) = 5.92, p = .003, ηp 2 = .046. When examining differences in age, older coaches (50 and older) reported significantly more negative attitudes than 30-39 and 40-49-year-old coaches ( ps < .05). These findings add to the limited understanding of coach attitudes towards individuals who identify as lesbian or gay men. An understanding of attitudes provides the basis for positive change that can be translated into more inclusive behaviors to provide a better experience for lesbian and gay male athletes.