Doing sexuality in sport

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Sport
• Queer Theory
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Sport is often perceived as a heteronormative environment.
• Limited research exists on the experiences of LGBTQ+ athletes in Norway.
• Understanding queer visibility's impact is crucial for inclusivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the subversive potential of queer visibility in Norwegian sports.
• To explore how lesbian, gay, and bisexual athletes navigate and challenge heteronormativity.
• To analyze the creation of alternative spaces within mainstream sport.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research based on in-depth interviews.
• Participants included Norwegian athletes identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual.
• The study analyzed narratives to understand experiences of visibility and norm challenges.

Main Results:

• Lesbian athletes sometimes establish queer-inclusive spaces within existing sports.
• Gay male athletes actively challenge heteronormative discourses and dominant beliefs about homosexuality.
• The sexual practices of both groups simultaneously reinforce and subvert heteronormative structures.

Conclusions:

• Queer visibility in sport has a complex and multifaceted subversive effect.
• Athlete experiences demonstrate resistance to and negotiation with heteronormative sport cultures.
• Further research is needed to fully grasp the implications for LGBTQ+ inclusion in athletics.