Dealing with Homophobia in Sports: A Real Guide for LGBTQ+ Athletes

Being an LGBTQ+ athlete should be no different than being any other athlete. Your identity shouldn’t affect how you’re treated, respected, or supported.

But we know that’s not always the reality.

• Maybe you’ve heard homophobic jokes in the locker room.

• Maybe you feel like you can’t fully be yourself around teammates.

• Maybe you’ve been left out, excluded, or even bullied just for who you are.

• Maybe you worry that coming out will change how coaches or sponsors see you.

  
  

💥 This is not okay. Sport should be a space for EVERYONE. 

💥 You deserve respect, safety, and the right to be yourself—without fear.

Here’s how to recognize, handle, and fight back against homophobia in sports—while protecting your mental health and career.

1. What Homophobia in Sport Looks Like

🏳️‍🌈 Homophobia in sport isn’t just direct insults—it comes in many forms.

❌ Examples of Homophobia in Sport:

🔴 Locker Room Culture

• Jokes, slurs, or comments like “That’s so gay” or “No homo”.

• Sexualizing LGBTQ+ athletes (“She’s only on the team to look at girls.”).

• Hyper-masculinity (acting like being LGBTQ+ makes someone “weaker”).

  
  

🔴 Being Treated Differently

• Teammates or coaches acting uncomfortable around you.

• Being excluded from team bonding or social activities.

• Not getting fair opportunities—coaches benching LGBTQ+ players more.

  
  

🔴 Fear of Coming Out

• Hiding your identity to avoid problems.

• Worrying about how sponsors, fans, or media will react.

• Hearing negative comments that make you feel unsafe.

  
  

🔴 Institutional Homophobia

• No policies protecting LGBTQ+ athletes from discrimination.

• Unequal treatment of LGBTQ+ relationships in team culture.

• Lack of LGBTQ+ visibility in media and sponsorships.

  
  

💥 Homophobia isn’t just when someone is openly hateful—it’s also when people create an environment where LGBTQ+ athletes feel unsafe or unwelcome.

2. Why It’s Hard to Speak Up (And Why It’s NOT Your Fault)

🚨 If you’ve stayed quiet about homophobia, that does NOT make you weak. It makes you someone who’s navigating a tough system while protecting yourself.

💡 LGBTQ+ athletes often stay silent because:

• They don’t want to be seen as “making a big deal”.

• They fear losing friendships, opportunities, or respect.

• They worry that coaches or teammates will treat them differently.

• They’ve learned to put up with it as “just how sports are.”

  
  

👉 But here’s the truth: You deserve to feel safe, respected, and included—without having to hide or tolerate homophobia.

3. How to Deal With Homophobia in Sport—Real Strategies

✅ A. Set Boundaries (If Safe to Do So)

If someone makes a homophobic comment, you have the right to call it out.

• “That’s not okay—cut it out.”

• “Can we not use ‘gay’ as an insult?”

• “Jokes like that make people feel unsafe. Let’s do better.”

  
  

💡 If you don’t feel safe speaking up, focus on protecting yourself first.

✅ B. Find Your Allies

• A teammate, coach, or staff member who supports LGBTQ+ athletes.

• Other LGBTQ+ athletes in your sport (even if they’re in different teams).

• Online LGBTQ+ sports communities (OutSports, Athlete Ally, etc.).

  
  

💡 Even having ONE person who “gets it” makes a difference.

✅ C. Document What Happens

If you’re experiencing ongoing homophobia:

• Write down what’s said or done, with dates.

• Save screenshots or messages if it happens online.

• This can help if you choose to report it later.

✅ D. Report It (If You Choose To)

• If your team or federation has an anti-discrimination policy, use it.

• Talk to a trusted coach, psychologist, or team leader about what’s happening.

• If you’re in a school or college program, there may be formal complaint processes.

  
  

💡 If you’re in a system where homophobia is ignored, focus on finding support outside the team.

4. What If You’re Not Out Yet? (Or Not Sure If You Want to Be?)

🏳️‍🌈 Coming out is YOUR choice. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.

If you’re not out yet—or still figuring it out—that’s OK.

• You don’t have to rush.

• You don’t have to tell teammates just because you play together.

• You don’t have to share your personal life if you don’t want to.

  
  

💡 Your identity is valid—whether you’re out or not.

5. What Coaches, Clubs, and Teams SHOULD Be Doing

🚨 If sports organizations are serious about LGBTQ+ inclusion, they should: 

✅ Make it clear that homophobia is not tolerated. 

✅ Educate teams on LGBTQ+ respect. 

✅ Ensure LGBTQ+ athletes feel safe in locker rooms and social spaces. 

✅ Give LGBTQ+ athletes the same visibility, respect, and support as straight athletes.

💡 If they’re not doing this—you can ask why. You deserve better.

6. How to Mentally Stay Strong When Facing Homophobia

💔 Dealing with homophobia in sport is exhausting. It’s okay to feel angry, sad, or frustrated.

Here’s how to protect your mental health:

🟢 Remind yourself: You are not the problem—homophobia is. 

🟢 Surround yourself with supportive people—even if they’re outside your team. 

🟢 Talk to a professional if homophobia is affecting your mental health. 

🟢 Take breaks from toxic environments when you need to.

💡 You do NOT have to push through everything alone. Seeking support is strength.

7. Take These Reminders With You

🏳️‍🌈 “I belong in sport just as much as anyone else.” 

🏳️‍🌈 “I don’t have to tolerate disrespect to be accepted.” 

🏳️‍🌈 “If they’re uncomfortable with LGBTQ+ athletes, that’s their problem, not mine.” 

🏳️‍🌈 “I will find my people—the ones who see and respect me fully.”

8. Need Support? RIZE Is Here

💬 Confidential support for LGBTQ+ athletes facing homophobia. 

💬 Workshops and education for teams to create safer, more inclusive spaces. 

💬 Help navigating homophobia while protecting your career and mental health.

💙 You don’t have to choose between being an athlete and being yourself. Sport is for you, too.

💪🏳️‍🌈🔥