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. 2024 Aug 25;24(1):2304.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-19824-9.

Navigating sexual minority identity in sport: a qualitative exploration of sexual minority student-athletes in China

Meng Xiang  1   2 , Kim Geok Soh  3 , Yingying Xu  4 , Seyedali Ahrari  5 , Noor Syamilah Zakaria  6
Affiliations

Navigating sexual minority identity in sport: a qualitative exploration of sexual minority student-athletes in China

Meng Xiang et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Sexual minority student-athletes (SMSAs) face discrimination and identity conflicts in intercollegiate sport, impacting their participation and mental health. This study explores the perceptions of Chinese SMSAs regarding their sexual minority identities, aiming to fill the current gap in research related to non-Western countries.

Methods: A qualitative methodology was adopted, utilising the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach with self-categorization theory as the theoretical framework. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling, and data were collected via semi-structured interviews, documents, and field notes. Sixteen former and current Chinese SMSAs participated in this study.

Results: The study reveals four themes: hidden truths, prioritisation of athlete identity, self-stereotyping, and attempt. The results revealed that while SMSAs were common in intercollegiate sport, their identities were often concealed and not openly discussed. The predominant focus on athlete identity in sport overshadowed their sexual minority identities. Additionally, SMSAs developed self-stereotypes that influenced their thoughts and behaviours. The non-heterosexual team atmosphere in women's teams led to the development of intimate relationships among teammates.

Conclusions: The findings from this study could be incorporated into existing sport policies to ensure the safe participation of SMSAs in Chinese intercollegiate sports. This research offers valuable insights for the development and implementation of inclusive policies. Future research in China could investigate the attitudes of coaches and heterosexual student-athletes toward sexual minority identities to inform targeted interventions.

Keywords: Identity conflicts; Interpretive phenomenological analysis; Mental health; Self-categorization theory; Team interaction.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Data Analysis Procedure. Adapted from Smith et al. (74)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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