Abstract

The role of religious identity has been explored as an important element of self-identity for many individuals. Organized religions are also often recognized as unwelcoming environments for sexual minorities and religious identity can be a source of severe internalized conflict for those that identify as sexual minorities. The purpose of this study was to examine how sexual minority intercollegiate athletic participants are viewed within the intersection of their religious and sexual identities utilizing the social categorization framework. Through phenomenological methodology and semi-structured interviews, 20 individuals (11 student-athletes, three coaches, six support staff members) of various sexual identities within an athletic department agreed to participate in this study. The data revealed three themes: religion, team culture, and acceptance. Ultimately, the present study seeks to assist in promoting queer-inclusive climates for student-athletes.

摘要

宗教认同的作用已被探索为许多个人自我认同的重要元素。有组织的宗教也经常被认为是性少数群体不受欢迎的环境，宗教身份可能是那些认定为性少数群体的人严重内化冲突的根源。本研究的目的是利用社会分类框架，研究性少数族裔校际运动参与者如何在其宗教和性别身份的交叉点中被看待。通过现象学方法和半结构化访谈，体育部门内不同性别身份的 20 人（11 名学生运动员、3 名教练、6 名支持人员）同意参加这项研究。数据揭示了三个主题：宗教、团队文化、和接受。最终，本研究旨在帮助促进学生运动员的酷儿包容性氛围。