The experience of LGB students in Physical Education: exploring the Spanish context

Abstract

Despite legal advances and greater respect for LGTBI individuals, their experience in the education system is still problematic, as they suffer discrimination of various kinds. This homophobic school environment is even more intensified in Physical Education, given the peculiarities of this subject, particularly due to its technical focus and affinity for sports content with a high emphasis on hegemonic masculinity. The aim of this study was therefore to collect data on students' recollection of their experiences, with particular attention to harassment in the educational context, participation in the subject of Physical Education, and their preferences in terms of content. To this end, an online questionnaire was used to collect data from 989 people, 47.5% of whom were gay, 21.3% lesbian, 18.6% bisexual and the remaining 12.5% heterosexual. The results showed a higher perception of harassment among LGB students than among heterosexual students (mostly verbal), especially among gay students, who displayed very negative results in almost all the items analysed. Gay students also reported that they were not chosen for activities and did not use the changing rooms at the end of class sessions, compared to their lesbian or heterosexual peers. In view of these results, it can be concluded that it is necessary to address all forms of harassment, as well as to refocus the subject in order to accommodate the obvious diversity of the student body. A critical stance towards teachers' decisions and more teacher training seems relevant today.