.jpg)
FORMED in 1966 in Los Angeles, the Personal Rights in Defense and Education (PRIDE) organisation started to radically take on the conservatives in the nation for the rights of those from the LGBTQ+ community.
However, PRIDE has since evolved to stand for Promote, Respect, Inclusion, and Dignity for Everyone - aimed to promote what its acronym stands for, especially in relation to its intended community.
And with the advent of PRIDE Month, Joe English, founder of New York based non-profit organisation that brings inclusive LGBTQ books and curriculums, Hope in a Box, shared that “PRIDE Month presents an opportunity and an obligation to reflect on why our LGBTQ+ community matters.”
Despite it being taboo in Malaysia, a recent research presented in the International Journal of Social Science Research highlighted that compared to before, there is a change in societal receptivity towards the LGBTQ+ community.
While this is great news, the researchers are well aware that their research reach was small and thus did not represent the larger majority of Malaysians. And despite recent progress, the country’s law enforcement authorities “have become more stringent in their approach to treating LGBT through various laws and regulations,” affecting not only their “lives and livelihood (of individuals within this community) but also their self belief and feelings of attachment to the country.”
That said, we are still far from accepting those who are identified as LGBTQ+, and what more, public personalities whose livelihoods depend on their public image. While we have seen an increasing number of athletes across the globe coming out and embracing their sexuality, among whom are prominent figures like Megan Rapinoe, Colton Underwood and Tom Daley, not much have been said by our own athletes.
The last research on athletes who are part of the LGBTQ+ community within Malaysia was done in 2012, and even that had its focus was on public perception. According to that research, “the results revealed that most spectators perception towards homosexual athletes are rather negative than positive,” and although both men and women spectators displayed strong disapproval toward homosexual athletes, “men endorsed more negative stereotypes.”
And with sports still very much a male-dominated industry, this would continue to be an obstacle for any of our athletes who identifies with the LGBTQ+ community. But, how may all this trickle down to the the younger generation who are involved in sports?
The Vibes spoke to a few individuals who, although not athletes when adults, were active in sports during their younger days. This is what they had to say when asked about their struggles when it came to their sexuality and the sport they participated in.
“I didn’t face struggles in the sport, but sexually in general since Malaysians, especially the older generation, judge you based on your sexuality,” said Sam*, a homosexual female who spent most of her teen years as a cheerleader in school.
This sentiment was shared by Alex*, who, with parental encouragement, was active in taekwondo, swimming and basketball. She continued playing basketball in University when her family migrated to Australia. She played in the women’s Division 2 team and occasionally represented clubs in Division 1 when required.
As an individual who does not believe in labels about her sexual orientation, Alex* does not remember of a time where she struggled within her sport because of her sexuality. “I was always around individuals who were more gender fluid to the concept of sport.”
Similarly, Drew* who identifies as a gay female, felt that her sexuality “did not play a part nor affect my ability to play the sport,” as she ran track in school.
Jordan*, - who was very active in sports, played for leisure and participated in school and church competitions, - felt fortunate that as a bisexual female, she did not face any struggles due to her sexuality.
However, things proved to be different when it came to “narrow-minded extended family members.”
“When it came to the narrow-minded extended family members who were more inclined towards gender-stereotyping sports, they frowned upon the type of sports I was introduced to, instead of the usual dancing, gymnastics or ballet.”
And on the topic of stereotype sports, Jamie*, who identifies as a bisexual transwoman, shared how her experience with sports and the perceptions of her turned her away from it. “Although I was super active in sports from my Junior year till Senior 3, it was mostly for fun with friends.
“Because I played sports like football, badminton and athletics, which apparently are not feminine sports, people often just brushed me off and claimed that I was just a guy, even after coming out, as people have the misconception that transwomen tend to be super feminine. That's probably why I stopped doing sports and spent the rest of my senior years in the library.”
Without the acceptance and the constant dismissal of her sexual orientation, Jamie* left sports feeling upset.
“I was upset because people told me I was manly, apparently no one has ever heard of a tomboy even though some of my friends were tomboys.”
The experience of each individual within the LGBTQ+ community with sports differs.
Yet, it is acceptance and community surroundings that either prevents or supports them from moving forward and being comfortable within their own kin.
When The Vibes asked about the kind of support they each received, these were their response.
“My friends were great! If asked about the kind of support I wish I had, perhaps a supporting mother. I do believe till this day that she might have sent me to a camp if I ever came out to her, or be kicked out of the family.”
“I just wish I had more support. I knew from an early age and wanted to come out, but the sports that I played kept giving my family and friends the image of a boy who loves sports. Therefore there was no way I would be identified as a transwoman. My parents even went so far as to say that I was being influenced.”
“I wish I had more support and enthusiasm from my family for my participation in sports, but that may be due to cultural factors as well.
“I wish there was an informative portal that will inform individuals that there is no categorisation when it comes to sport. It is a gender fluid concept and one chooses to do it based on passion. No one should be tied down or or asked to conform to views and opinions passed down by our forefathers.
“There has to be lessons or guidance on accepting LGBTQ+ and how it’s okay to embrace it.”
Some Malaysians have come to terms in accepting the LGBTQ+ community, but we are still a long way from being a community that accepts and embraces them on a daily basis, so what more within the sports industry.
With the month of June this year being dedicated as PRIDE Month, let us not only acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of this community, but create awareness and battle the discrimination targeted towards the LGBTQ+ community. - The Vibes, 1 June, 2021
*Not their real names
