Homosexuality and sports do not match together. Although it has been improved in recent years.
When you compare with family, school and work, sport is the asset where gay athletes are least open about their sexuality. As a result, gays and lesbians still stay inside the closet. It has been proven that many gays and lesbians quit early with sports because of the negative images about homosexuality.
People who live with the image that homosexuality doesn’t fit within sport, often fear comments like ‘nasty gay’, ‘faggot’, ‘asshole’. The stereotype ‘man’ is tough, strong and aggresive. This is not the image that ‘gay’ athletes think. For example a gay in pink shirts and with woman behaviour is in sharp contrast with the real men who do top sports at the highest level.
When you compare with family, school and work, sport is the asset where gay athletes are least open about their sexuality. As a result, gays and lesbians still stay inside the closet. It has been proven that many gays and lesbians quit early with sports because of the negative images about homosexuality.
People who live with the image that homosexuality doesn’t fit within sport, often fear comments like ‘nasty gay’, ‘faggot’, ‘asshole’. The stereotype ‘man’ is tough, strong and aggresive. This is not the image that ‘gay’ athletes think. For example a gay in pink shirts and with woman behaviour is in sharp contrast with the real men who do top sports at the highest level.
The fear to come out is even bigger with elite athletes because they worry about their image and the fear of losing to much. Because of that, they often live a double life. Which results in even bigger problems. living a double life, is about acting ‘straight’ and hiding the truth, several athletes said. That is difficult!
When we talk about the problems, it is often emotionally heavy for the person. Their image is in danger you know….. If these problems continue, athletes will become depressed and lose their interests. They also fear the loss of sponsors because of their sexual orientation.
Some athletes for example,
Don’t live with fear anymore and go for your true nature!
When we talk about the problems, it is often emotionally heavy for the person. Their image is in danger you know….. If these problems continue, athletes will become depressed and lose their interests. They also fear the loss of sponsors because of their sexual orientation.
Some athletes for example,
- Keegan Hirst - Michael Sam
- Robbie Roggers - Thomas Hitzlsperger
- Jason Collins - Victor Gutierrez
- Tom Daley
Don’t live with fear anymore and go for your true nature!