Examining Outness Levels of LGBTQ Collegiate Athletes Across Gender Identities

• In Event: 34.084 - Queering Access, Inclusion, and Equity in Higher Education

Abstract

Participation in collegiate athletics is a gendered experience, and for many LGBTQ students, influences whether or not they are out about their gender identity or sexual orientation on campus. Trans* athletes operate within systems of strictly enforced rules requiring team members and their opponents to be of the same gender. In addition, students experience athletics differently depending on their gender and sexual identity. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between athletic status, outness, and gender identity for LGBTQ collegiate athletes. The following questions guided our study: Are there significant differences in outness among athletes and non-athletes by gender identity? Do these differences remain true when controlling for climate?

Authors

• Rebecca Eunmi Haslam, Saint Michael's College

• Jason C. Garvey, University of Vermont

• Sarah Dews, University of Vermont

• Caroline Weaver, University of Vermont