Out On The Fields’ Summary for United States of America on Homophobia in Sports

Out On The Fields is the largest and the first international study on homophobia in sport. Nearly 9,500 people took part, primarily from English speaking countries. Participants included around 25% heterosexual men and women.

Data collection, analysis and the final results were reviewed by a panel of seven academic experts on homophobia in sport from six universities in four countries. The research itself was conducted by global sports market research firm, Repucom. It was commissioned by the Bingham Cup Sydney 2014 (the world cup of gay rugby) in partnership with a coalition of LGBTQ and mainstream sporting organizations including the Federation of Gay Games.

The original study, published in 2015, found that

• 80% of all athletes (gay, bisexual, and straight) have witnessed homophobic behavior in sports.
• 79% of people surveyed believed “an openly gay person would not be very safe as a spectator at a sporting event”
• 50% of gays and lesbians, and 25% of straight men, have been personally targeted by homophobia
• 73% of people believe youth sports are not safe for gay athletes.

Clearly, there is a problem with sports culture. In recent years, things are improving as more and more athletes come out. Diversity and inclusion efforts are more common now than ever before. Still, it takes everyone to create an accepting culture. Everyone deserves the opportunity to play their sport.

What can you do to make your clubhouse or locker room more inclusive?