Homosexuality and the Olympic Movement*
By Matthew Baniak and Ian Jobling
Sport remains "one of the last bastions of cultural and the inception of the modern Games until today. An Matthew Baniak
institutional homophobia" in Western societies, despite examination of key historical events that shaped the Wd~ ,1n EX( hdngP ~tudl'nt f ram the advances made since the birth of the gay rights gay rights movement helps determine the effect homo the UrliVPr~rty of Sd~katclil'W.Jn, (JnadJ ,11 thl' Un1vrrsrtyuf movement.' In a heteronormative culture such as sport, sexuality has had on the Olympic Movement. Through I)U!'l'll~land, Arr~l/,JIItl in !01 3. fmu11 Jddrt".s: rnobBu2(Wmarl. lack of knowledge and understanding has led to homo such scrutiny, one may see that the Movement has lJ\d)k.ld phobia and discrimination against openly gay athletes. changed since the inaugural modern Olympic Games The Olympic Games are no exception to this stigma. The in 1896. With the momentum of news surrounding the lan Jobling goal ofthe Olympic Movement is to 2014 Sochi Games and the anti-gay laws in Russia, this l'i Dn\'tl\11, ( l'lltrPoiOIVrlll'l( ... contribute to building a peaceful and better world issue of homosexuality and the Olympic Movement Stud1rs Jllt1 Hnr10fd1V A'i~O(Idtr· by educating youth through sport united with art has never been so significant. Sections of this article ~'rufr·<;sor, \( llnolr1! Humdn t·lovrnwnt 'lt!lclll",, UntVi'l'dlyut and culture practiced without discrimination of any will outline the effect homosexuality has had on the QIJL'l'W.I,llld. [I!IJII ,ldrlfl''S rar'JG,Jillll',.uq r·d1r dU kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual Olympic Movement, and how the Olympic Games have understanding.' been shaped by social movements and the context of society's perception of homosexuality and gay rights. 5 Today, homosexual athletes are a partiallyvisible mino More recent issues associated with the government of rity within the Olympic Movement, a minority that has Russia's announcements of laws to be introduced and feltdiscrimination and prejudicethroughoutthe history their potential impact on the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics of the Games, despite the Movement's stated goal. The will then be addressed as a case study. first openly gay Olympians did not compete until the1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics.3 For an avenue such as the The New Zealand short Olympic Movement, which praises and strives towards track speed skater friendship, acceptance, participation and sportsman Blake Skjellerup was ship, there are still factors that inhibitthe realization of one of the first openly these values in the case of gay athletes. Money, sponsor gay winter sportsmen, ship and endorsements are all attributes that Olympians who had announced count on to help support their dreams of competing at before Sochi that he would "show the flag" the next Olympics. These attributes are the reasons why there. In his search for some gay Olympians choose to stay in the closet. An sponsors he received anonymous gay male Olympian stated in an interview, support from several While it may seem from the outside that coming out gay rights organisa would generate a lot of publicity, I feel that kind of tions. In the qualifi media attention would be falsely earned, that it cation races Skjellerup wouldn't be garnered for my athletic success, but for managed only 33"' my sexuality ... I have met several other gay athletes position on the world in the years since Torino (a few of them who will be FIND OUT HOW AT GLAAD.ORG/BLAKE ranking list, and competing in Vancouver), who share this." missed qualification
for the Sochi 2014 There are male and female Olympians who are still in A definition of homophobia is "prejudice, discrimina Olympics by a single the closet, afraid of what might happen ifthey publicly tion, harassment and acts of violence directed against 6 place. announce their sexuality. In the past, due to ignorance, sexual minorities" . The context of homophobia needs to be considered before examiningthe absence of open discrimination and prejudice, homosexuals in all areas ly gay athletes within the Olympic Movement. During Of life, especially professional sport, were treated un the 1960s, being gay was viewed socially, culturally, and fairly. Thus, gay athletes felt they were alone and stayed legally as an abomination. Gays were denied college in the closet to protect their dreams of competing at admission, job offers and positions on sporting teams.7 the Olympics. This has played out on a world stage from
41 lOH 1 I 2014 Homosexuality and the Olympic Movement coming out to themselves and their team is accept Among the first gay ance. "'6 Even without coming out to the public, some athletes was the German runner Dr. Olympians who felt accepted did advise their coach of Dtto Peltzer. On 3 July their sexual preferences. Swimmer, Mark Tewksbury, a 1926 at Stamford Canadian gold medallist, stated to his swimming coach Bridge in London, he and team ... set a new world record 1 dropped 1.3 seconds off my backstroke in just ten of1:51.6 over Boo m/ months because I fed so much off my energies after sso y and won his finally telling my coach that I was gay. I had been duel with the British working years to gain tenths of a second, but after I 11 Olympic champion told him, I dropped 1.3! Douglas Lowe. His participation in the Greg Louganis also fell into this category. Although Olympic Games did not feeling alone and confused, he was able to confide have such a happy Although a fledging gay rights movement existed globally in his coach who helped him focus and lead him to outcome: in 1928 he prior to 1969, the Stonewall Riots in Greenwich Village four gold medals.'8 Even though homophobia was was ill and in 1932 in New York City, where gay people took a stance and present during the Olympiads of the last decades ofthe (below, his Olympic demanded equal rights on June 28,1969, marks the twentieth century, these gay Olympians persevered and pass from Los Angeles) symbolic start of the movement. 8 1t was not until1973 became the best in the world. he reached the Boo m when the American Psychiatric Association removed As time went on, adversity felt by many gay Olympians final, in which he homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses9and 1997 decreased. By feeling accepted and free to be them came only ninth. before homosexual acts were legal in all jurisdictions of selves, even just within their team and by their coach, Australia.' 0 Olympians such as Tewksbury and Louganis have .·.\r Knowledge about participation rates of gay Olympians revealed that gay Olympians who "come out" can focus before Stonewall is scant. The modern Olympic Games on their task without having to carry their burden. began in 1896 but it was not until1928 the first known The Gay Games, a social-cultural and a multi-sport gay Olympic athlete competed. Otto Peltzerwas not open festival, was introduced by Tom Waddell in 1982 and about his sexuality when competing atthe1928 Amster founded in San Francisco.'9 Wad dell competed in the dam and 1932 Los Angeles Olympics." In 1935, when the decathlon at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. He was a Nazi government enacted strict laws relating to homo closeted homosexual at the time. Waddell chose to sexuality, Peltzerwas sentenced to eighteen months in establish the Gay Games in order to create a sporting prison, and subsequently other internments, including event free from sexism, racism, nationalism, hetero the 'death camp' in Mauthausen-Gusen in the so-called sexism and elitism, all of which he said he felt during Ostmark. In a biography entitled "Otto the Strange", his time competing in the Olympics. 20 These are virtu Volker Kluge has stated Peltzer "never outed"." ally the same ideals ofthe Olympic Movement. Waddell Many gay individuals during the period 1950-1990 wanted to create an area that was free of prejudice and thought they were the only gay person in the world, an discrimination, and which focused on personal bests opinion shared by many male gay Olympians.'l These and participation instead of winning and crowning Olympians commented on their experiences of homo champions. There are many similarities between the sexuality during the 1970s and 1980s. Tom Waddell ex Gay Games and the Olympic Games. Baron Pierre de pressed he felt completely alone when he realized his Coubertin advocated the Olympic Games being staged in attraction to men; he believed he was the only one with major cities ofthe world. The Gay Games were hosted in these feelings, so he kept them to himselffor years.'4 cities accepting of homosexuals such as San Francisco, American Olympic diver, Greg Louganis, reflected that Sydney and Cologne. 21 The biggest difference was that during his childhood in the 1960s he, too, felt alone anyone was allowed to compete in the Gay Games. Even and confused about his sexuality, and later homosex though the majority of participants were gay, straight 5 ual feelings.' Considering the timeline of gay rights, it athletes were also encouraged to participate. becomes clearer why gay Olympians of the twentieth Within the Gay Games, opportunities and situa century stayed in the closet. tions arose which allowed tolerance and acceptance The Olympic Games parallel professional sport in many of homosexuality to cross over into the Olympic Move ways with respect to how they affect athletes. Athletes ment. This all started with the original name. Waddell have a chance to perform on a world stage, represent wanted the Gay Games to be called the Gay Olympics.n their country and showcase their hard work and talent. However, the USOC (United States Olympic Committee} In a recent interview, Australian Olympian Kim Cooper, denied Waddell the right to use 'Olympics' because of a straight female, stated, "the biggestfactor in athletes the 1984 Games being in Los Angeles and the potential
42 confusion that might arise. Despite this initial difficulty, faggots", after Australia beatthe South African team in the Gay Games have become most successful. Gay a Rugby Union match. 30 Rice was criticized and ridiculed; Games IV, held in 1994 in New York City, had over10,ooo the Jaguar car company, one of her major sponsors, participating athletes; this was more than the 1988 severed all ties. Seoul Games. 23 When practicing with the other athletes Society in the 21'1 century is handling homophobia atthe Gay Games in New York City, Greg Louganis stated: more severely and is creating an environment for gay I'd always been something of an outsider because 1 Olympians not only to be welcomed but also to be was gay. Now, here I was with a group of divers who accepted as equals. Rice's comments show that no were gay and I didn't have to feel at all self-conscious. matter what your Olympic status, no one is exempt I could be myself and not worry about being judged. from being punished due to the ignorance produced That was incredibly liberating. 24 by homophobia. This situation in sport is supported by decreasing cultural and institutional homophobia Louganis was unable to be atthe Opening Ceremony for in Western countries and by legal advances won by the Gay Games IV, but a video he had recorded was played. gay rights movement and its supporters. During April lt was here where Louganis revealed publicly he was 2013, for example, three countries legalized same-sex
gay. When he arrived to compete at the Gay Games, marriage- Uruguay, New Zealand and France. 3' In May Lougan is stated, "I've never felt so warmly embraced of that year, Brazil stated that same sex couples could in my life, and for the first time, I felt like a complete not be denied marriage licensesY In July2013, a bill was person. " 25 This feeling of euphoria was and is received signed to legalize same sex marriage in England and by many gay athletes who compete at the Gay Games. Wales, making a total of sixteen countries recognizing Australian diver Matthew Mitcham, one ofthe most well same sex marriage at that time. The signing in July known openly gay contemporary Olympians, and now 2013 of a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in England an ambassador for the Gay Games, 26 stated: and Wales, brought the total number of countries Participating at the Gay Games is a great chance for recognizing same-same sex marriage to sixteen. 33 all gays and lesbians to showthatwe as a community are not like the stereotypes the straight media loves to The Olympic boycott of portray ... I will take time offfrom training and travel Moscow 1980 provided to Cologne, since I strongly feel we have to celebrate the final impetus for our own values and help others to accept that it is ok gay decathlete Thomas to bed ifferent. 27 Waddell to work for the introduction of a By seeing and experience gay athletes in a highly organ separate festival for ised event, similar to the Olympic Games, perceptions gays and lesbians. of homosexuals in sport began to change. Their athletic From his efforts arose efforts educated parts ofthe world, and showed that the Gay Games, which male and female homosexuals were fierce and worthy fist took place in 1982 competitors. in San Francisco. Wad dell who'd The past four years, 2010-2013, have had a major finished sixth place impact on society in changing homophobia, which has On April 29, 2013- a date that will be remembered in in the decathlon at crossed over into professional sport. Many ground break sports history; NBA player Jason Collins, came out as the 1968 Olympics in ing gay movements have occurred during this time and gay. Collins is the first ever professional American team Mexico City, died of homophobic remarks in the media and on the playing sport player to do so. 34 He was praised and supported Aids in 1987. field were handled harshly. In the United States, in by fellow NBA athletes, and even by his country's 2011, the controversial "Don'tAsk, Don'tTell" law which President, Barack Obama, who also has voiced his 35 applied only to the military, was revoked. This law had approval and support of gay marriage. Cumulatively, denied gay military members to be open about their these breakthroughs contribute to the changes seen in relationships. 28 In September 2010, after several gay young individuals today. In a recent Gallop-USAToday teenagers committed suicide, celebrities, political poll, 73% of people aged eighteen to twenty-nine were leaders and professional athletes shared their stories of comfortable with same sex-marriage. That same poll hope for gay people around the world via messages on reported that three out of four people who identified YouTube. Daniel Savage started the it Gets Bettermove as an LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered) ment.'91twas also atthis time in 2010, Stephanie Rice, a individuals said they were out with their family and three time Australian gold medallist in the 2008 Beijing friends, and nine out often said they saw improve ments in acceptance within their communitieS. 36 The Games, came under heavy scrutiny after she made next generation of Olympians is a part of these polls. a homophobic remark. Rice tweeted, "suck on that
43 lOI{ ll 2014 Homosexuality and the Olympic Movement In the run-up to the Olympics and was present at the London 2012 Games.•l 2014 Winter Games a Olympians, gay and straight, along with influential gay great stir was caused leaders in many countries west of Russia, have been vocal by the official US aboutthe denial of a PRIDE house in Sochi. British per Presidential Delega sonality and gay activist, Stephen Fry, wrote a passionate tion, led by the former Open Letter to British Prime Minister, David Cameron, and Homeland Security to the IOC, advocating the banning 2014 Winter Games Secretary la net should be banned. 44 Fry's letter included reference to Hapolitano. lt oaths and protocols ofthe Olympic Movement: included two openly Rule four: Cooperate with the competent public or gay athletes former private organisations and authorities in the endeavour US ice hockey player to place sport at the service of humanity and thereby Caitlin Cahow and the By being born and raised in a world that increasingly is to promote peace. Rule six: act against any form of figure-skating accepting and welcoming to gay individuals and their discrimination affecting the Olympic Movement. Rule Olympic champion of rights, the stigma of homosexuality will be reduced for fifteen: encourage and support initiatives blending 1988, Brian 8oitano. future generations. The successful momentum of gay sport with culture and education. Tennis player Billie rights and the prevalent acceptance, tolerance and Jean King was also to support seen in society is undeniable. Rules four and six, relating to homosexual peace, toler have been part of the lt is telling, however, that Barack Obama congratulated ance and education, can result in huge fines and im delegation but was Collins for his "courage" in coming out. 37 Despite the prisonment for the people involved. Fry, along with prevented from at many advances made, sport remains an ambiguous ter others, has just grounds to question the IOC's stance on tending by a family rain for gay athletes, as events in Russia early in 2013 have this issue. Fry's letter continues: bereavement. The highlighted. The 2014 Winter Olympic Games will be held The Summer Olympics of 2012 were one of the most group was hardly in in the Russian city ofSochi. Recent laws enacted by the glorious moments of my life and the life of my country. evidence in Sochi, Russian government include anti-gay laws that will es For there to be a Russian Winter Olympics would stain and after a few days pecially impact on those Olympians. One such law bans: the movement forever and wipe away any of that they went home. ... spreading information aimed at forming non glory. The Five Rings would finally be forever smeared, traditional sexual behavior among children, besmirched and ruined in the eyes of the civilized \'',, suggesting this behavior is attractive and making world. a false statement about the socially equal nature of traditional and non-traditional re/ationships.l 8 Dr. Bruce l
44 In the same article, Cannon recalled another iconic American Figure Skater, Brian Boitano, came out on momentatthe 1968 Mexico City Olympics with the 'Black 19 December 2013, two days after being named as one Power Salute' by John Carlos and Tommie Smith, who of the delegates to represent the United States at Sochi. later indicated they almost boycotted those Games. Boitano expounded that when he won the gold medal These events dealt with minorities who were being atthe 1988 CalgaryWinter Olympics, heavily discriminated. Through their strength and re ... coming out was not an option. His agent told him solve, these two Olympians helped change and break that he needed to keep his sexuality quiet so that he barriers inhibiting their fellow African-Americans. could secure endorsements ... he [Boitano] wanted to Now, the same obstacles lie ahead for the LBGT com be known for his skating achievements rather than munity. Cannon's underlying tone is that by keeping his sexuality. 53 the Games in Sochi, a monumental event may occur for gay Olympians; one which may go down as being the Sochi is the first time since 2000 that the United States pinnacle of change, for openly gay Olympians, in the is not sending a President, former President, First lady, Olympic Movement. or Vice-President to an Olympic Games. Out of the five A boycott or relocation would only dissipate the athletes who are delegates of the USA, three are openly opportunities for gay and straight Olympians. Already gay: BillieJean l Olympian who competed at the 2013 World Champion anti-gay laws posed by Putin. 54 ships in Moscow, was the first international athlete to Sochi 2014 is the first time in history, since Stonewall denounce the laws on Russian soil. 48 Symmonds dedi in 1969, that the Olympic Games have been held in a cated his silver medal to all his gay and lesbian friends host city with such strong and virulent anti-gay laws. "back home". He also criticized the words ofYelena Homosexual fans, siblings, friends, team mates, coaches lsinbayeva, a Russian Olympic pole-vaulter, who said, and, in some cases, partners will be in attendance. ... we consider ourselves [Russians] like normal, Russia's Sports Minister, Vitaly Mutko, spoke out against standard people. We just live boys with women, girls such worries, stating "the freedoms of Russian and with boys ..49 foreign athletes and guests who come to Sochi will be absolutely protected. " 55 However, Mutko has previously stated that the promotion of homosexuality is ltalianVIadimir 6 equivalent to drug and alcohol promotion to minors. 5 Luxeria demonstrates Words offering protection are one thing but actions of in the sochi Olympic the Russian government at the Games are another. Park. He was a The last thing an Olympian should be worried about communist party is whether or not their loved one could be in danger, representative at the attacked, imprisoned and/or deported by expressing or European Parliament defending the sexuality of others who may be consid- from 2oo6 to 2oos, ering promoting homosexuality to minors within the where he was the vicinity. The arousal of emotions from such a situation first member to may greatly affect their athletic performance. appear publicly as On September 4, 2013 Vladimir Putin reiterated that transgender. lsinbayeva received much criticism; she later stated it Olympians themselves would not be harmedY He was a misunderstanding due to her lack of English. In stated that gay rallies and marches are against the law the article in The Times, journalist Broad bent reported and will thus be dealt with accordingly. However, there that Symmonds said, "the tone of her remarks was remains a concern that the true meaning of the Olympics clear- 'We have normal people having normal and the Olympic Movement are becoming overshad relations'- that appalled me. " 50 owed by a domineering political and human rights Olympians Johnny Weir and Blake Skjellerup are issue. Olympians train for years to be a part of some now openly gay after both competed while in the thing bigger than themselves. While some have podium 5 aspirations, others are in awe of just participating in an closet during the Vancouver 2010 Games. ' Both stated they would be present and defend gay rights Olympic Games. Fans hold this same admiration for the While competing in Sochi and be a voice for the gay Olympics; being able to cheer and encourage athletes communityY Even with all the good intentions ofthe from their country at the biggest multi-nation, multi Olympians, the fans, families and citizens who are sportsfestival ofourtime brings immense joy and pride. present in Russia throughout the Olympics still have to lt is of great concern the focus on gay rights and laws be cautious. before and during the Olympics will overshadow the 45 10111 I 2014 Homosexuality and the Olympic Movement alongside their heterosexual equals. The events ofSochi Olympics Number of Openly Percentage of overall Ref. Gay and Lesbian Gay and Lesbian Olympians 2014 Winter Games are upon us, and with all the hype, Olympians to total participating body publicity and power behind them, it may be an iconic Atlanta 1996 Summer 2 2/10,318 = 0.019% 70 event not to be missed. 1 Nagana 1998 Winter 0 o/2,161= o% 71 Facts reveal that the 21' century has taken all the work 1 Sydney 2000 Summer 7 7/10,651 = 0.066% 72 and education of the 20 h century to help shape and Salt Lake 2002 Winter 0 o/2,399 = o% 73 change the Olympic Movement to favour homosexual Athens 2004 Summer 11 11/10,625 = 0.104% 74 participation on and off the field. As cultural homo Torlno 2006 Winter 0 o/2,508 = o% 75 phobia decreases, people increasingly come out of the Beijing 2008 Summer 10 10/10,942 = 0.091% 76 closet.SS This is seen in the context of the Olympic Move Vancouver 2010 Winter 6 6/2,566 = 0.234% 77 ment. The 1996 Atlanta Games were recorded as being 9 London 2012 Summer 23 23/10,568 = 0.218% 78 the first to have openly gay Olympians. 5 When compar ing Summer Olympic Games, from 1996 to 2012, the per centage of openly gay athletes has risen from 0.019% to Table A: open Homo- achievements of the Olympians. The IOC has a responsi- 0.218% of total Olympic competitors (see Table A for the sexual Olympians from bilityto take anti-gay laws into consideration when de- total number of openly Gay Olympians). That statistic Westernized countries termining future host cities. Now in 2013, discrimination may seem insignificant. However, upon closer and at the London 2012 against any minority, whether it is due to race, gender, more reflective analysis, over sixteen years but five Ol Games'"' religion or sexual orientation, is unacceptable. ympic Games, the total percentage of openly gay partici The Olympic Movement has seen such discrimination pants increased tenfold. As well, it has been document in the past but has evolved and endeavored to create ed that only one to three percent ofthe populations of an almost level playing field for all. The changes to have Westernized countries identify as being gay, and there openly gay Olympians compete and be a non-issue will are far fewer "out" gay athletes proportionally. 60 There not happen overnight. As has been seen with female fore, this rise in percentage has a greater impact and participation in the Games, it will take time. The uproar significance. In addition, the majority of the activism, around Sochi only proves that citizens in many socie support and new gay rights have occurred during the ties will not allow blatant discrimination to fall on any lastfour years. Thus, having the highest number of gay minority. This stance has crossed over to the Olympic Olympians (twenty-three) present at the 2012 London front. The Olympic Movement should not regress when it Olympics is a positive sign that this awareness and ac comes to gay rights. How the IOCwill use the events lead ceptance isworking.6'Thistotal number of gay Olympians ing up to the Sochi 2014 Olympics in the selection of future does not include the Olympians who competed but were host cities will be worth noting. Will there be struggles? not open abouttheirsexuality. Forexample,JohnnyWeir Yes. Will they be insurmountable? No. The vague word competed in the 2006 Torino and 2010 Vancouver Games ing ofthe anti-gay laws and the past violence Russian without being openly gay. 6'1twas not until2o11 that Weir homosexuals have faced is the reason Western countries came out (See Table B for a list of gay Olympians who and activists are up in arms. News stories are appearing came outaftertheywere finished competing). When Kim daily. Education and awareness around gay rights can be Cooper was asked whether there were gay women on her found with almost every link related to Sochi. Both the Australian softball team during the 1996 Olympics, she Russian Sport Minister and Vladmir Putin have promised responded enthusiastically, athletes and spectators safety. These Games could be Yes! There were plenty ofplayers on my tea m that were one ofthe biggest opportunities for the LGBT community gay, they were not out to the public, but they were to to break through Russian stigma and stereotypes and their parents and friends ... lt was not an issue and showthatgays are "normal" and can compete and live did not affect our performance during the OlympicS. 63 Table B: Gay Olympians who competed in the Sarajevo1984, Calgary1988, lillehammer1994 Olympics and later 13 December 2013 79 Patrlck Jeffrey Seoul1988, Atlanta 1996 announced their 1996 80 Johan Kenkhuis Sydney2ooo,Athens2004 homosexuality publicly. 2004 81 Mark Leduc Barcelona 1992 NB This I1st 1ncludes 1994 82 Greg Louganis Montreal 1976, Los Angeles 1984, Seoul 1988 only those Olympians 1994 83 Blake Skjellerup Vancouver 2010 whom the authors May2010 84 Mark Tewksbury Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992 could identify the year 1998 85 TomWaddell Mexlco1968 in wh1ch they revealed 1976 86 JohnnyWeir Torino 2006, Vancouver 2010 their homosexuality. January 2011 87 46 As participation of openly gay athletes increased, so did Table C: Openly Lesbian their success. As of2012, Outsports.com has identified Athlete Sport Country Natal1e Cook Beach Volleyball AUS Olympians from that104 gay Olympians have competed in the Summer Matthew Mitcham Diving AUS Westernized Countries Games; more than half(54) have medalled. 64ln the most Mayssa Pessoa Handball BRA at the London 2012 recent London 2012 Olympic Games, ofthe twenty-three Rikke Skov Handball DEN Games."' gay Olympians, ten of them medalled, seven of whom Jessica Harrison Triathlon FRA won gold. 65 These statistics show that gay Olympians Alexandra Lacrabere Handball FRA can make it and succeed at the Olympics. If this trend Carole Peon Triathlon FRA of acceptance continues throughout the twenty-first Judith Arndt Cycling GER century, it is a positive sign of what lies ahead for homo lmke Duplitzer Fencing sexuality and the Olympic Movement. GER lna-Yoko Teutenberg Cycling GER In the second decade of this century, presidents and earl Hester Dressage GBR leaders of many countries are supporting and fighting Marilyn Agliotti Hockey NED for same sex rights. The progress in gay participation in Edward Gal Dressage NED the 2012 London Games shows hope that the Olympic Carlien D. van den Heuvel Hockey Movement is catching up with society's acceptance and NED Kim lammers Hockey support of homosexuals. Even with the controversy of NED Maartje Paumen Hockey the Sochi Games, gay rights are gaining huge publicity. NED Karen Hultzer •• Archery RSA People around the world are sympathizing and rallying Lisa Dahlkvist Football behind their gay allies and much is changing. With SWE Jessica landstrom Football the culmination of the Gay Games continually raising SWE Hedvig Lindahl Football support and professional athletes coming out all over the SWE Seimone Augustus Basketball world, it seems many in the next generation of youth in USA Megan Rapinoe the Western world are comfortable in their own skin. Football USA Lisa Raymond As has been presented and discussed throughoutthis Tennis USA article, the visibility of homosexuality in the Olympic Movement is heavily reliant on the social and temporal Gay Games. Olympians such as Greg Louganis, Mark context. With the 2014 Sochi Winter Games approaching Tewksbury and Johnny Weir are all examples of athletes it can be seen that homosexuality and the Olympics still competing in this climate. Even with all the controversy do not resonate fully with each other. However, signifi surrounding Sochi, it is clear that Russia remains within cant progress has been made in society since the events this climate. Political leaders within Russia claim to re ofStonewall in 1969 and in professional sport. spect all athletes, fans and everyone else who identifies A study by Hem ph ill and Symonds published in 2009 as gay. They are against promoting and pushing homo identified a way of looking at society's view of homo sexuality onto minors. Although for some the lines are sexuality in sport that can be used in reference to the blurred, the Russian government is indirectly punishing Olympic Movement. 66 The researchers stated that views homosexuals. Russia wants their minors to be protected on homosexuality in sport are broken down into three but as a result, they are walking a very fine line. Although climates. The first climate, representing the early views they are not harming or imprisoning people on the of society of homosexuals in the Olympics from incep sole basis of their sexual orientation, they are denying tion of the Modern Games to the early 2oth century, is a homosexual individuals the right to act and be them hostile climate full of discrimination. To be even sus selves; which is why this issue is so controversial and pected of being gay was dangerous. This was seen in the seen as discriminatory to many. Hemphill and Symons' case ofOtto Peltzer being sent away and tortured after third and final climate is one of acceptance, a climate to being identified as gay. Many early Olympians compet which Matthew Mitcham was a pioneering member. In ed in a time when this first climate was in total control. the modern era of sport, most people have moved into They feared losing potential sponsorships and endorse the second climate with only a few being in the first and 58 ments, facing adversity from theirteam, and worst of all, third cli mates • exclusion from competition. The second climate involves With Sochi 2014, the number of athletes, politicians conditional tolerance. This means thatteammates and and Olympians speaking out and voicing their support coaches are accepting of an Olympian's homosexuality and acceptance towards gay rights increases. When as long as it stays out ofpublicview. However, this causes looking at a global perspective now in relation to the another dilemma for athletes, as they have to continually Olympic Games, it may be surmised that the Olympic monitor their appearance and social relationships to Movement too is shifting towards the coveted "third maintain a heterosexual team and sport image. This climate". There is no denying there will be struggles. climate has largely prevailed since the founding of the However, the Western world as a whole is becoming 47 lOJf 1 I 2014 Homosexuality and the Olympic Movement less homophobic and creating a more favorable and being interned in the Mauthausen-Gusen Concentration Camp, where he remained until liberated by the US Army in 194S. In per welcoming environment for all professional athletes, sonal correspondence to lan Jobling (December 19, 2013), Volker including Olympians, to be able to compete without l 48 38 Shaun Walker, "Russia set to pass strict anti-gay law that could see ny-we i r-fla m boy ant-figure -skater-ad m its-new-a utob i ogra phy foreigners deported for 'sexual propaganda'", The Independent, 10 gay-article-1.148500, accessed 29 May 2013. June 2013, www. i ndependent.co.u klnewslworldleuropelrussia-set 63 Matthew Baniak, telephone interview with Kim Cooper, 2 June to-pass -stri et-anti gay-1 aw-that- co u Id-see-foreigners-deported 2013. for-sexual-propaganda-8652840.html, accessed 28 August2013. 64 William Lee Adams, "Olympic Homophobia: Why Are There So Few 39 Gay rallies, parades and festivals are seen as educating minors and Openly Gay Athletes?" Time Olympics, 9 August 2012, olympics.time. displaying a homosexual lifestyle in a favourable way. Thus, under com/2012lo8/09/olympic-homophobia-why-are-there-so-few Putin's laws, even waving a rainbow flag is against the law and openly-gay-athletes/, accessed 25 May 2013 seen as homosexual propaganda. 65 Cyd Zeigler, "10 Gay Olympians Win Medals In London, Tie Jamaica 40 Ben Hoyle, "The shocking reality of gay life in Russia", The Times, 19 and Iran In Gold Medal Count", SB Nation, 12 August 2012, www. August 2013, pp. 2-3. sb nation. co m/london -olym pi cs-2012/2012/8112/3237963/n i ne-gay 41 Hoyle, 'Shocking reality", pp. 2-3. olym pia ns-wi n-m ed a Is-in -london-tyi ng-jam a i ea -and-i ran -far, 42 Glennisha Morgan, "Russia Says No To Olympic Pride House", Huff accessed 25 May 2013. Had gay Olympians been a country, it would ington Post, 8 February 2013, www.huffingtonpost.comi2013/02/08/ have placed 31" overall in the medal standings in London 2012. russia-olympics- pride-house-nixed_n_ 2646703. htm I, accessed 66 Dennis Hemphill and Caroline Symons, "Sexuality matters in 30 May 2013. Physical Education and Sport Studies". Quest, vol. 61, no. 4, 2009, 43 Ken Williams, "Gay Olympians: Few are out and proud." San pp. 397-417. 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