‘The times they are a changing’: Negotiating diverse sexualities and masculinities in male rugby union

Abstract

Research concerning masculinities and homosexuality reveals contradictory findings, with inclusive masculinity theorists uniquely declaring the declining significance of homophobia in sports. To examine these contested findings, we interviewed straight and gay rugby union players to understand how they reflect on issues of homosexuality and negotiate the associated complexities in changing times. Our findings showed signs of greater acceptance of diverse sexualities yet we still found continued use of homophobic slurs and, at times, overt examples of homophobia. We concluded that the rugby players were subject to competing discourses of homosexuality. On the one hand, they were broadly aware that overt homophobia was now frowned upon and they were accordingly careful to not present themselves as homophobic. On the other hand, many still distanced themselves from homosexuality to ensure that they were not perceived as gay, as they still believed that homosexuality was stigmatised. In discussing our results, we raise critical concerns with inclusive masculinity theory, and illustrate that homophobia still presents as a serious social problem that impacts the health and well-being of queer people yet, at the same time, social change towards greater acceptance of diverse sexualities is an apparent trend.