Pat Griffin

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 womens 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 womens 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 womens sport are described, and several strategies for confronting homophobia in womens sport are suggested.

Identity management strategies among lesbian and gay educators

This report describes identity management strategies used in school by lesbian and gay educators. Participants in the study were 13 self‐identified lesbian and gay educators who worked in preschool‐12th‐grade settings. Each participant was interviewed about her or his experience of being a lesbian or gay educator. Researchers and participants analyzed the interview transcripts to identify themes of experience. Participants chose identity management strategies that addressed either their fear of exposure or their wish for self‐integrity. The identity management strategies used by participants comprise a continuum from low to high risk: (a) passing, (b)covering, (c) implicidy coming out, and (d) explicitly coming out. The results are presented in the context of contemporary labeling theory and critical feminist theory.

Making Sports More Sporting

Sport may seem like a meritocracy, but scholars debunk, debate, and diagnose the boundaries that keep some on the sidelines, off the air, and out of the game all together.