The attitudes of collegiate coaches toward gay and lesbian athletes in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China

Abstract

This study focused on the attitudes of 14 collegiate coaches toward gay and lesbian athletes in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China and the experience these coaches have had with such athletes. Interview results revealed that different levels of progress in the advocacy for gender equity education and/or sexual minority topics had affected the coaches’ attitudes toward gay and lesbian student athletes. However, with increased contact, the coaches became more inclusive and tolerant toward student athletes with different sexual orientations. Moreover, coaches perceived that their primary role involved enhancing athletic performance and meeting the needs of student athletes instead of offering different training sessions and opportunities for competition. Future studies should focus on specific sport communities and include student athletes and coaches with diverse sexual orientations. College administrators should offer relevant educational programs for coaches to create dialogue and nurture a positive environment for athletes with diverse sexual orientations.