Written by “If you can play, you can play.” – Miami University men’s hockey team
We’ve talked a lot about sexism, racism, even classism in sports, but of course there are many ways to exclude and disenfranchise people, and surprisingly in our seemingly enlightened times, it’s still very much an issue. I’m referring to the treatment suffered by people who don’t identify as heterosexual, or male or female.
The motto of the Miami University men’s hockey team is exactly the culture that we should be seeing embedded in sports. “If you can play, you can play” means precisely that – race and gender should not be an issue of inclusion and neither should sexual or gender/non-gender orientation – it’s all about talent!
As I mentioned in an earlier article “Sport Driving the Culture of Society” certain issues can be introduced positively into society by people that are looked up to as exemplars. Sport is a great vehicle for inducing a possibly recalcitrant demographic to consider a broader band of acceptance. Even better than encouraging tolerance is the willingness of an athlete to identify themselves as LGBTQIA, risking their popularity by exposing themselves so publicly to disapproval is a powerful and courageous action that deserves respect.
This courage needs to be fostered within the team, support makes us stronger – we all know that. Ryan Anderson of Miami University encapsulates it well in his 2016 article:
“Having the support of at least one team member is crucial. Having a teammate who knows the athlete’s sexuality and is supportive can help them come out to the rest of the team and lead to a more inclusive attitude within the team. Being an ally for your fellow teammates can make a world of difference. There is more to be done, besides being a supportive ally. Organizations, teams, schools and coaches need to crack down on hate speech, including homophobic, transphobic and sexist comments. And this can start at any level: professional, college, high school or younger. Coaches need to stop telling their teams to “man up and stop playing like girls.” Referees and sports institutions need to take homophobic remarks seriously and have consequences for negative actions. Some leagues are already starting this and are seeing great results.”
Ryan Anderson
Australian swimming champion Ian Thorpe who grew up in the public eye, banded with five other athletes a few years ago at a Mardi Gras Film Festival to speak out about changes they would like to see in their sporting codes. Thorpe had been questioned relentlessly about his sexuality since he was just 15 and has said that more support was needed for young professional athletes who identify as LGBTQIA.
Former Olympic basketball player, Shelly Gorman-Sandie agrees that her being a lesbian was more newsworthy than her massive contribution to her sport. And former swimming champion Daniel Kowalski adds that the language in sporting environments needs to change to reflect a more positive, inclusive society. “I think the biggest thing is the use of the language by coaches or staff or administrators or even parents when they throw out the word, ‘that’s so gay or stop being a faggot,’” he said.
Matthew Mitcham was fortunate however in having a supportive coach and squad. The former Olympic diver was offered a secure and compassionate environment in which to come out. This consideration drives a culture that radiates out to other players, fans, and society in general and we should all be mindful of our part in the process.
“It is an institutional and structural change that will create an environment where we can have more out athletes. It is changing behaviors and norms to not go to gender stereotypes, to be more accepting and inclusive of all athletes.”
Ian Thorpe joins athletes calling for an end to homophobia in sport (sbs.com.au)
Why Homophobia In Sports Is Still A Problem (theodysseyonline.com)