Changing the Game: Homophobia, Sexism, and Lesbians in Sport

The purpose of this article is to discuss, from a feminist perspective, the interconnected nature of homophobia and sexism in women's sport. After a brief description of the early 20th-century origins of the lesbian stereotype and the political function of homophobia in a sexist and heterosexist culture, manifestations of homophobia in women's sport are discussed: silence, denial, apology, promotion of a heterosexy image, attacks on lesbians, and preference for male coaches. The underlying beliefs that support homophobia in women's sport are described, and several strategies for confronting homophobia in women's sport are suggested.