Out on the Playing Field: Providing Quality Physical Education and Recreational Opportunities for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth.

LGBTQ+ athletes; LGBTQ+ students; PHYSICAL education; PHYSICAL education teachers; TEACHER attitudes; TEACHER training

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth may be at a higher risk for depression, suicide, and negative risk-taking (Bontempo & D'Augelli, 2002; DuRant, Krowchuk, & Senal, 1998; Garofalo, Wolf, Kessel, Palfrey, & DuRant, 1998; Hershberger & D'Augelli, 1995; Moon et al, 2000; Rosario, Hunter, & Gwadz, 1997; Rotherum-Borus, Rosario, Van Rossem, Reid, & Gillis, 1995) and could benefit from positive risk-taking associated with physical activity; however, negative attitudes of physical activity professionals may impact the participation of LGB youth. Herek's (1984) Attitudes Towards Lesbians and Gay Men Scale (ATLG-S) was administered to 446 undergraduate students enrolled in child and adolescent health courses at two universities in Texas. Results indicate kinesiology majors reported more negative attitudes towards lesbians and gay men than other students. As a result, the authors recommend pre-professional education programs include information about LGB youth, values clarification, and ways to reduce homonegative attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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