Once again coming away from the sports side for a moment. In the female world, being a lesbian is more acceptable than men. No one thinks its a big problem for a female to like other females, its "sexy" and a "turn on". So when it comes to homophobia against lesbians it has alot more to do with the fact that "girls aren't trying to just have fun". It is thought that lesbians are just those party lesbians that get "naughty" with her best friend just for the night but when it turns into the fact that lesbians are truly 100% lesbian that's where the problem lies. It starts to become a jealousy issue and that's when female homophobia comes in.
Now a article about Homophobia in the professional female sports world talks about how professional sports try to scare women who are indeed lesbian to not show that they are because they have to keep the "social norm" for younger athletes. They have to keep up the image of whats right, and being a lesbian is not right. The article continues to talk about how if a woman comes out, how she could lose her endorsement deals and maybe even her job. Its a serious matter that when people look at Women in Professional Sports they not only see a great athlete but a straight athlete as well.
In another article it talks about how society puts labels on young athletes and also female coaches. For coaches they ask are they single or married, the question is not legal to ask, but if they put single they are automatically considered a lesbian and they aren't even considered for the job. As for athletes, if someone thinks they are a lesbian they can be hindered from even playing sports at all.
Which bring me to my most recent controversy, college standout Brittney Griner. The 22 year old, 6'8 207 lbs, new Phoenix Mercury Center. For years, she has been dominating the college world as a Baylor Bear but her sexuality was known and she never tried to hide it. After being the first round pick in the WNBA draft a few weekends ago she came out as a lesbian. She stated "I've never tried to hide my sexual orientation". The media really didn't have much to say. Its almost obvious.
Citations
"Homophobia in Professional Sports." Elmira College Faculty Personal Pages. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. <http://faculty.elmira.edu/dmaluso/sports/homophobia
Foundation, Women’s Sports. "Homophobia in Women’s Sports | Divine Caroline." Home | Divine Caroline. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. http://www.divinecaroline.com/entertainment/homophobia-women%E2%80%99s-sports.
Borden, Sam . "Brittney Griner Comes Out, and Sports World Shrugs - NYTimes.com." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. N.p., 18 Apr. 2013. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/19/sports/ncaabasketball/brittney-griner-comes-out-and-sports-world-shrugs.html?_r=0.
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