Analysis of homophobia during physical education lessons in Spain

Abstract

While the study of homophobia in sport is a settled matter within the scientific background of various countries, there are not any Spanish studies analyzing and deepening into the situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transsexual in an educational context. The present chapter is the result of a research conducted in Spain in relation to the opinions and beliefs about homosexuality during physical education lessons. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies have been applied to a sample of both physical education teachers and college-aged students. The results highlight that, as is the case of other countries, physical education teachers claim to have a sensitivity and respect for sexual diversity in the classroom. However, these statements are contradicted by other statements by the same teachers as well as by the opinions and beliefs of college-aged students, who often affirm that physical education lessons are still reproducing stereotypes and making an offensive use of language. Homophobic behaviors among students and even towards physical education teachers on occasion still take place in the classroom. As a result, this chapter brings attention to the need for more awareness and training of physical education teachers, providing them with appropriate strategies in this area. Furthermore, it is important to foster the study and the production of knowledge about homophobia in the field of physical education.