Managing Heteronormativity and Homonegativity in Athletic Training: In and Beyond the Classroom

Abstract

Context: As an allied health professional working in various settings, an athletic trainer (AT) is responsible for the health care of a highly diverse population. More often than not, this diversity is defined by the visible, such as race or sex. However, diversity encompasses many more variables than these observable factors and includes sexual orientation. Efforts have been made to educate ATs about issues related to sex and race; however, sexual orientation typically has not been addressed, although ATs have treated and will continue to treat lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) patients.Objective: To introduce ATs (educators and practicing clinicians) to the concept of heteronormativity, its effect on society, and its influences on the manner in which they teach athletic training students and deliver health care to their patients. Data Collection and Analysis:We searched various databases, including MEDLINE, ERIC, SportDiscus, and CINAHL Information Systems using the terms bisexual, diversity, gay, heteronormativity, homophobia in sport, and lesbian. Pertinent articles were cross-referenced to gain additional information.The literature revealed the historic implications of homonegativity for sport and its effects on those involved in sport culture, including ATs.Conclusions: Future dialogues should focus on innovative strategies for including LGB issues into athletic training curricula and for meeting the needs of students and professionals in addition to patients who identify as LGB.

Exploring Heteronormativity in the Public Discourse of Jamaican Legislators

“…People typically respond to phobias by avoiding objects or situations that trigger them. They are generally sources of personal embarrassment and anxiety and as Maurer-Starks et al (2008) suggest, unlike ''homophobia'' most phobias are not the result of a process of socialisation. For many circumstances therefore, the efficacy of homophobia as a Exploring Heteronormativity in the Public Discourse of Jamaican Legislators 317 concept can be questioned.…”

“…Homonegativity refers to the indifference, hostility, oppression and the overall lack of social, cultural and institutional support that homosexuals experience as a consequence of their insertion into a predominantly heteronormative social ethos. In this connection, Krane (1996) and Krane et al (2004) in Maurer-Starks et al (2008) have defined homonegativity as having or displaying deliberately ''non-rational'' negative attitudes and behaviours toward non-heterosexuals. It is also in this context that the validity of the commonly used concept of homophobia comes into question.…”

“…Alternatively it denies the possibility of other sexual orientations (Jung and Smith 1993). This belief prescribes gender roles in society and privileges the behaviours, values and institutions associated with the heterosexual lifestyle (Maurer-Starks et al 2008). It is typically associated with a range of behaviours characterised as heterosexism-systematic biases involving prejudice against nonheterosexuals and privileges for heterosexuals.…”

Athletic Trainers' Attitudes Toward Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual National Collegiate Athletic Association Student-Athletes

“…Even though many attitudes were on the slightly positive to positive side of the attitude spectrum, the existence of 15% negative attitudes indicates that greater attention may be needed to ensure that the athletic training environment is open to all student-athletes. As Maurer-Starks et al 27 stated, ''The profession should not tolerate an environment that does not support positive physical and mental health for all its patients, regardless of their characteristics.'' Understanding AT attitudes toward LGB studentathletes sets the foundation for further research and supports the need for further education in this area.…”

“…26 Maurer-Starks et al 27 discussed the importance of not tolerating environments that do not support positive physical and mental health for all patients. Although a foundation exists to treat patients equally in athletic training, Maurer-Starks et al 27 suggested that ''More activities, research, and policies are needed to provide support services, dialogue, education, and educational materials to current and future athletic trainers.'' To begin to assess the climate and culture within athletic training facilities as related to LGB student-athletes, a number of studies could be conducted.…”