MAN UP: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE INTERSECTIONALITY OF MASCULINITY, SEXUALITY, AND ADULT RECREATIONAL SPORT LEAGUES

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between perceptions of masculinity and attitudes towards lesbians and gay men within an athletic context. Demographic information was utilized to ascertain if certain populations of people have more negative sentiments directed at LGBTQ-identifying individuals. The researcher used modified versions of Herek's Attitudes Towards Lesbian and Gay Men Scale (1984), and Snell's Masculinity Behavior Scale (2013). Surveys were distributed online and the researcher used SPSS to analyze the data. The results suggest that there is not a relationship between perceptions of masculinity and attitudes towards lesbians and gay participants in a sport context. League choice, gender, and sexual orientation were found to be statistically significant predictors of one's attitude towards gay men and league choice was found to be a statistically significant predictor of one's attitude towards lesbian women. Age was found to be a statistically significant predictor of one's beliefs about masculinity, with statistical significance within the subscales of Success Dedication and Exaggerated Self-Control and Reliance. Although statistically significant, the results are not surprising and are consistent with past research of similar populations. It is hoped that future research will include qualitative aspects to gain a better understanding of how non-heterosexual sport participants negotiate their sport and LGBTQ identities.