Creating Inclusive and Positive Climates in Girls’ and Women’s Sport: Position Statement on Homophobia, Homonegativism, and Heterosexism

Abstract

Creating inclusive and positive climates in sport is essential for the realization of the benefits of sport for female athletes. Homophobia, homonegati homonegativism, and heterosexism threaten the quality of sport experiences and harm all girls and women in sport. Homophobia generally is considered an irrational fear and intoler-ance of lesbians and gay (Herek, 1984). Homonegativism, a related but distinctly different concept, reflects learned beliefs and behaviors towards nonheterosexu-als and is demonstrated through stereotypes, prejudice, and (Krane, 1997, p. 145). Finally, heterosexism refers to the belief that heterosexu-ality is the only normal and natural sexual orientation (Herek, 1992). A key distinction between homonegativism and heterosexism is that homonegativism is demon strated through biased and prejudicial actions whereas heterosexism occurs through omission or disregard for individuals who are not heterosexual. Homonegative and heterosexist prejudice also may be aimed at an athlete's identity or gender self-expression (how one externally chooses to present one's inner identity to the world) (Answers, 2004). Research has documented the homonegative and heterosexist climate of many sport settings (e.g., Griffin, 1998; Lenskyi, 1997; Hargreaves, 2000). Although long-standing stereotypes claim there are many lesbians in sport, they are not accepted in many sport settings. Bias and discrimination against female athletes who are lesbian, bisexual, and transgender can occur through negative stereotypes, verbal comments and harassment, discrimination in team selection, social isolation, negative media attention, and loss of resources (Krane & Barber, 2003). Homonegative and heterosexist sport environments perpetuate negative stereotypes, provoke fear of being labeled lesbian, and victimize girls and women who are lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or perceived as lesbian (Krane & Barber, 2003). Because of existing homonegativism in sport, some girls will drop out of sport (Shakib, 2003) or will select to participate in socially acceptable or sports (Griffin, 1998). Although sport participation can lead to many health benefits, homonegative climates can negate the likelihood of obtaining them as well as create behaviors that threaten well-being (Krane, Surface, & Alexander, 2005). When faced with intolerant sport settings, girls and women can incur low self-esteem and confidence; high stress, depression, and frustration; increased risk of suicide; and feelings of isolation, being disconnected, or underappreciated. Attempts to escape discrimination can lead to alcohol or drug use. Some athletes, to avoid being labeled as lesbian, will employ unhealthy eating, exercise, and training behaviors (Krane et al., 2005). Girls and young women who feel the need to meet societal demands and be perceived as feminine and het erosexual may engage in unhealthy eating to change their body size or shape. Athletes who feel compelled to prove their heterosexuality may feel pressured to be sexually active with the opposite sex (krane et al., 2005). Athletes concerned about appearing feminine or heterosexual also may be vulnerable to sexual harass ment (Lenskyj, 1992). These athletes may submit to unwanted sexual attention from boys and men to avoid being labeled lesbian. Altogether, when in intolerant sport environments,. female athletes' physical and psychological health may be at greater jeopardy than their peers not faced with such discrimination. Homonegative and heterosexist sport environments also may impede athletic success. Since being a muscular female athlete often is associated with being labeled lesbian, some girls and women limit their strength training or avoid appropriate weight training programs (Krane et al., 2005). Such avoidance can increase the likelihood of injury, as protective musculature will not be developed, or can limit sport skill development, due to insufficient strength. …