Youth sport environments are often characterized by a culture of masculinity that involves negative language towards the LGBTQ community, as well as other damaging remarks. This is according to a study carried out by researchers at Fordham University. Such a setting signals a public health issue with implications that are far-reaching and enduring. While sports typically present multiple advantages for young people, these benefits appear to erode as exposure to such language increases. This type of environment negatively impacts not only LGBTQ adolescents but all youngsters involved, with straight white males often encountering the most detriment. The overall wellbeing of all participants suffers as a consequence.
Phrases expressing homophobia, transphobia, and misogyny are frequently used in boys’ sports environments as a way to reinforce traditional masculine ideals or to taunt each other. Whether employed in jest or intended as a derogatory insult, these words and phrases become a pervasive part of locker room language. Boys are often under enormous pressure to conform to these standards lest they be labelled ‘gay’ or ‘feminine’. According to the study, it was observed that young individuals exposed to such language were less likely to enjoy the benefits of participating in sports, especially in regards to self-esteem building.
The study showed a notable decrease in self-esteem among straight white cisgender boys – substantially more so than within any other subgroup. The researchers highlighted the irony of this so-called ‘masculinity policing’; rather than bolstering the boys’ sense of virility, it serves to diminish their confidence. This approach seems counterproductive as it seems to negatively impact the same individuals it purports to uplift.
It would be inaccurate to imply that LGBTQ youth are not adversely affected by such language; however, the effects on these and other marginalized groups were found to be less severe in comparison. Researchers suggest that previous life experiences may have enabled these groups to develop more robust coping mechanisms to deal with such stressors. Their past hardships might have made them more resilient in the face of these discriminatory practices.
The researchers underscored that the harm caused by the use of anti-LGBTQ language extends beyond just the affected individuals; it impacts our whole community. The study was a part of a project initiated by high school students in Michigan back in 2014, who wanted to bring to light the extensive nature of the problem. They were supervised by one of the study’s authors, who was a doctoral student at the time.
These LGBTQ students formed a network through Neutral Zone, an organization based in Ann Arbor dedicated to youth empowerment. They found solace together, sharing their shared experiences of bullying and marginalization. This was a time when the experiences of queer and trans youth were largely unacknowledged and discarded by mainstream media, leaving them feeling unheard and invalidated.
Eager to illustrate just how rampant the issue was, these students created a survey to gather information from students in five different schools, encompassing urban, suburban, and rural areas. The survey aimed at exploring students’ exposure to harmful language in various environments, including sports. The study findings were derived by examining the responses to survey questions, in which students rated their agreement with statements regarding self-esteem and their encounters with anti-LGBTQ language perpetuated by peers or coaches in their environment.
One of the study authors, Tice-Brown, believes that coaches often fail to understand the profound impact of such language on the boys. These coaches, having grown up in similar environments, ascertain this language as part of the sports culture and as a means to establish a certain definition of manhood. These practices ultimately uphold the pervasive culture of masculinity within sports environments.
Sports participation can foster youth development in many ways such as contributing to physical wellbeing, fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging self-esteem, and instilling the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. However, such sexist and homophobic language often morphs simple critiques into personal attacks, with phrases like ‘You throw like a girl’ linking poor performance to femininity. This can exacerbate the anxiety and unease of boys who do not conform to these toxic expectations.
Youth sports environments, such as gyms or locker rooms, often rank individuals based on athletic ability and physical appearance. Popularity and respect are usually tied to these factors. Within these environments, boys often compete to showcase their physical capabilities. This type of masculinity culture endorses very specific ways of being a man, leading to harmful messaging directed towards those who do not conform.
The reinforced masculine culture is not limited to youth sports but extends to professional adult sports as well. Few male athletes are open about their LGBTQ identities for fear of backlash. Notions of masculinity even govern emotional expressions at the professional level; emotional outbursts from athletes often unsettle observers, reflecting society’s narrow definitions of masculinity.
These entrenched attitudes present opportunities for mental health to be addressed. Emotional vulnerability expressed by some athletes may mirror the emotional struggles faced by youngsters participating in sports. The need to conform to a rigid form of masculinity often suppresses emotional expression, causing girls and boys alike to grapple internally with their feelings.
The study’s findings, despite painting a dismal picture, offer an opportunity for change, according to one of the authors who is also a parent of a youth interested in sports. The opportunity lies in redefining the idea of masculinity. The importance of role models who embody a healthier, more accepting form of masculinity cannot be overstated in shaping young minds.
Positive change would involve showcasing that support for the LGBTQ community does not undermine strength or the traditional notion of masculinity. In fact, it is quite the opposite; displaying empathy and acceptance in a traditionally ‘macho’ setting like a football field showcases a strong, balanced form of masculinity.
In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of challenging the toxic culture of masculinity prevalent in youth sports. The negative language and stereotypes not only harm the individual but also the community at large. There is a clear need to redefine traditional standards of masculinity, dismantling the harmful gender norms to create more inclusive and healthy sports environments.