Out in Sport ─ The Experiences of Openly Gay and Lesbian Athletes in Competitive Sport

This book represents the most comprehensive examination of the experiences of gays and lesbians in sport ever produced. Drawing on new empirical research in the US and the UK, as well as media accounts of both men’s and women’s sport, the book examines the experiences of ‘out’ men and women, at recreational, high school, university and professional levels, as well as those competing in gay sports leagues. It argues that social matters for lesbian athletes, and particularly for gay male athletes, have dramatically changed for the better over recent decades, and that while gay and lesbian athletes still experience difficulties, a new approach is required to understanding this important topic.

Eric Anderson is Professor of Sport, Masculinities and Sexualities at the University of Winchester, UK.

Rory Magrath is an Associate Lecturer in the Faculty of Business, Sport and Enterprise at Southampton Solent University, UK.

Rachael Bullingham is a Lecturer in Physical Education at the University of Worcester, UK.