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The Roots & History of Homophobia in Sports

Writer's picture: Ren DaweRen Dawe

Updated: Jan 30

Homophobia in sports may seem like a modern issue, especially as athletes and organizations today make strides toward inclusivity. However, the roots of homophobia in sports run deep, tied to centuries-old attitudes about gender roles, masculinity, and social conformity.

In this blog, we’ll explore how and why homophobia became entrenched in the sports world, and why it’s so important to understand this history as we work toward creating a more inclusive future.

When did homophobia first start in sports?
When did homophobia first start in sports?

The Origins of Homophobia in Western Society

To understand when homophobia began to surface in sports, we need to look at the broader history of Western society’s attitudes toward sexuality and gender. Ancient civilizations, including Greece and Rome, often celebrated same-sex relationships and recognized various expressions of gender and sexuality. However, as Christianity spread through Europe in the Middle Ages, attitudes toward sexuality became increasingly restrictive. Any deviation from heterosexuality was labeled as “sinful” and seen as a threat to social order.


By the time organized sports as we know them began to form in the 19th century, these conservative views on sexuality and gender had taken root. In many cases, sports became arenas where strict gender norms and heterosexuality were enforced.


Victorian Values and the Rise of Organized Sports

The modern concept of organized sports emerged during the Victorian era, a time when “respectability” was highly prized, and social norms were strictly enforced. Sports like football, rugby, and boxing, which prioritized aggression and physical dominance, became symbolic of masculinity. The idea of an “ideal man” was a heterosexual, stoic, physically strong figure. This image left no room for diverse expressions of masculinity, let alone for openly gay athletes.


For women, sports were initially discouraged altogether, as they were expected to embody grace, gentleness, and purity. When women did begin participating in sports in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, their involvement was often viewed as a deviation from “acceptable” feminine behavior. The perception that sports were a “masculine” activity led to suspicion and ridicule toward women athletes, especially those who did not conform to heteronormative standards.


The Reinforcement of Masculinity in Team Sports

The 20th century saw a boom in the popularity of team sports, especially in Western countries. Sports like football, basketball, and hockey became not only pastimes but also arenas where traditional ideas about masculinity were upheld and glorified. These sports were often seen as “rites of passage” for young men, places where they could prove their masculinity. Any deviation from the norm, including perceived or actual homosexuality, was seen as a threat to team unity and a violation of the “male bonding” that sports promoted.


In locker rooms and on the field, homophobic language and behavior became common, a way of enforcing conformity and intimidating anyone who might not fit the mold. “Locker room talk” frequently included derogatory slurs, creating an unwelcoming environment for LGBTQ+ athletes and reinforcing the association of sports with traditional masculinity.


The Cold War and the Heightened Pressure to Conform

During the Cold War, sports were used as a tool of national pride, with countries like the United States and the Soviet Union eager to demonstrate their superiority on the global stage. Athletes became national heroes, expected to embody ideals of strength, discipline, and patriotism. This era also saw a heightened focus on conformity, with any deviation from the norm considered suspect, even unpatriotic.


Homophobia became especially entrenched in this period, as LGBTQ+ people were often labeled as “deviants” or “subversives” in both Eastern and Western societies. In the United States, the “Lavender Scare” paralleled the Red Scare, with government agencies actively purging LGBTQ+ individuals from positions of power. This attitude permeated all aspects of society, including sports, where LGBTQ+ athletes were pressured to remain in the closet, or else risk being shunned or ostracized.


Sexual Revolution, the AIDS Crisis and Locker Room Culture Emerges

The sexual revolution of the 60s and 70s finally brought the gay and lesbian community to public view, and the 1980s brought about a public health crisis in the form of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, disproportionately affecting the LGBTQ+ community. The new emergence of the community, compounded with fear and misinformation about the disease led to a public celebration of homophobic attitudes, and sport became the place these attitudes solidified. Coaches used homophobic and misgendering language to ‘motivate’ their athletes. Smack talk among athletes fell into slurs and trying to convey weakness by labeling someone as gay or a girl.


From a rule making perspective, the concept of “locker room safety” was invoked to justify discrimination against gay athletes. Some teams and organizations even enforced policies that banned LGBTQ+ athletes under the false assumption that they posed a health risk to others.

In this context, homophobia in sports was not just tolerated; it was institutionalized, with LGBTQ+ athletes facing formal and informal barriers to participation. Although we now know that these policies were rooted in misinformation, the damage they caused was profound. Many LGBTQ+ athletes left their sports or remained deeply closeted to avoid discrimination.


Shifting Attitudes and the Rise of LGBTQ+ Visibility in Sports

The 1990s and early 2000s saw a gradual shift in societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights, with the rise of visible LGBTQ+ figures across media, entertainment, and eventually, sports. Some brave athletes began to come out publicly, breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. However, even as attitudes improved, homophobia persisted, often hidden beneath the surface or disguised as “locker room banter.”


Today, while progress continues, homophobia still lingers in sports. Many athletes remain hesitant to come out due to the fear of backlash, lack of support from their teams, or pressure to “focus on the game” instead of their identity. This legacy of exclusion is why inclusive organizations like You Can Play are essential to ensuring every athlete, regardless of orientation or gender, feels safe and respected in their sport.


Why Understanding This History Matters

Knowing when and how homophobia became entrenched in sports helps us understand why it remains an issue today. Sports are often rooted in tradition, with cultures and customs passed down over generations. Breaking free from this legacy of homophobia means actively challenging outdated beliefs and creating new traditions rooted in respect, diversity, and inclusion.


At You Can Play, we believe that sports should be a place where all athletes can bring their full selves to the game. Understanding this history gives us the context to see how far we’ve come—and how much work is still ahead. By actively creating inclusive environments and promoting understanding, we help dismantle the legacy of homophobia in sports, paving the way for future generations of athletes to play, excel, and thrive authentically.

Together, we can rewrite the narrative and ensure that sports become a welcoming, empowering space for everyone.


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