Work

Sexuality, Sports-Related Mistreatment, and U.S. Adults’ Sports Involvement

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Sexual stigma and prejudice exist in sport and leisure (Herek, 2009). This study employs descriptive and regression analyses of the National Sports and Society Survey (N = 3,993) to examine the patterns and implications of sexual stigma and prejudice in sports contexts by focusing on U.S. adults’ reports of sports-related mistreatment and involvement. Results indicate that about 1/3 of adults perceive sports as unwelcoming to LGBT athletes and nearly 40% report experiencing sports-related mistreatment; adults who identify as a sexual minority are particularly likely to perceive sports as unwelcoming and to report personal mistreatment. They are also less likely than self-identified heterosexuals to play, spectate, and talk about sports; sports-related mistreatment and childhood sports histories do not explain these patterns. Overall, the findings suggest that more action is needed to offset the presence and influence of sexual stigma and prejudice and to provide more welcoming sports environments for all.

Source: Leisure Sciences

DOI: 10.1080/01490400.2021.1895009

Authors: Chris Knoester, Rachel Allison

Institutions: The Ohio State University, Mississippi State University

Language: English

Topic: Sports, Gender, and Society

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: College of Arts and Sciences, University of Montevallo