Experiences and Minority Stress of Sexual Minority Student Athletes in Chinese Collegiate Sports

Abstract

Sexual minority youth frequently encounter discrimination in sports, limiting their ability to fully access the physical, psychological, and social benefits of sports participation. This issue remains particularly underexplored in Asian contexts, creating a significant gap in the research on sexual minority youth in sports. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis and minority stress theory as a framework, this qualitative study examined the experiences and stress of sexual minority student-athletes (SMSAs) in China. Based on semi-structured interviews with 16 current and former SMSAs, the study identified three key themes: (1) Chinese cultural pressures and normative expectations, (2) Sports norms reinforcing the sex–gender–sexuality triad, and (3) Anticipated stigma and internalized stigma. While echoing global patterns of discrimination within sports, the findings highlight the unique cultural influences shaping SMSAs’ experiences and stress in China. This study underscores the urgent need for inclusive sports policies, diversity training, and mental health support systems to create safer, more equitable environments for sexual minority athletes.