h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: M2M2 - On Being a gay sportsperson - A329465
Author: Steve - U192997

Think it is about somne of the M2M2 pages should get the recognition they deserve so here is one that I think has all that it takes to make it into the edited guide.

Steve

Hi steve,

I need to read this more thoroughly, but here are some first impressions.

Some of this is written in the first person in the body of the entry. Whilst this is OK in the blockquotes, the bits outside need to be reworded. This affects the disclaimer as well.

On the subject of the disclaimer, it is a pity that this entry does not include lesbian experiences as well.

You said that you were not aware of homosexuality being an issue in women's sport. From what I've read in the press, it is very much an issue in women's tennis. There's probably issues with muscular sports too, such as body building, shot putting, etc. Now, I'm not saying that there are tendencies for these sports to attract (if that's the right term) gay women. In all likelihood they are represented throughout sport.

The last issue is typos. There are a lot in this entry. If you can, put it through a spell checker.

I hope that's helpful.

Hi there steve (Berilis here)

Like what you have done with the forums but as ZSF said need to take it out of the first person. But should be ok. MAy need to get a little info on the womans tennis scene. It was somthing I never got around to on the original entry but hey ho.

'Colosseum', not 'Colesium'. Sorry. Wearing my pedant hat.

Any particular reason for the Latin, other than it being the Olympic motto? Because the article's not specifically about the Olympics.

Other than this it's a really good idea, and a serious problem that probably hasn't occurred to many 'straight' people.

Strange how this Guide seems to be broader than the fictional one... this wouldn't have got in that at all, because this is more advice than anything, but somehow it seems quite pertinent... how would it fit in? I'm not saying it won't, I'm just curious to know where it would be put in the Edited Guide.

Hi all!

My view is that this would be a good subject for an entry, and I agree with the previous comments about suggested improvements.

Could you say a bit more about different sports? My feeling is that some sports are more homophobic than others - I would imagine that it would be mostly team sports.

My own sports are fencing and korfball, and I wouldn't imagine that homophobia would be much of an issue in either of them - but then it's not something I would ever have to worry about personally. Certainly a friend of mine in the fencing club "came out" and I don't think he was treated any differently.

If you want examples from football (soccer) there's the sorry tale of Justin Fashanu (ask if you want more info) and Graeme Le Saux, who gets quite a lot of homophobic abuse even though he's straight and married with a kid (I think) - it's apparently because he has what might be called "boyish" good looks and is (by football standards) an intellectual.

Some sports are associated with lesbianism - tennis (to a certain extent) and women's football....


Otto

Otto,

You are certainly right about the team sports thing, I certainly experienced hostility when I came out - some of my experiences are included in the entry.

I would like to also see some reference to the London Steelers, the first all gay rugby club in the UK and the problems they initially experienced in finding opposition to play against, I believe that the Stonewall football team had the same problems.

Regarding female sports, tennis, field hockey and womens football all have reutations/issues with alleged lesbianism. I know from a number of hockey clubs that there is constant gossip and rumour mongering about certain of the women and their sexual orientation and often voiced concerns as to whether they should be trusted to coach the teenage female players.

A little bit better. Could probably do with a little more on the female viewpoint I reckon

Doesn't look like there were any contributors around for that part

Hey sorry just had RL to catch up on for a little while.

Will get to this next week.

Cool - no worries.

I think this would be a great guide entry - and I'm looking forward to reading the improved version.

Otto

Ditto!

Steve...where are you?

I'm here and have been working on this

Goodo - just checking.

In your list of stars you should include Alyson Annan - probably the greatest & best female hockey player in the world.

It's a good entry, but there are a lot of spelling mistakes. It really needs to be gone through with a "fine toothcomb" to sort them all out.

Totally agree with Zabreb - a much improved entry. If you want help in typo spotting, just shout.

Hmm... I'm not sure whether this ought to go into the Edited Guide. Looks somewhat like a 'history' or 'we about us' entry

Oh, forget that! I had better take care *where* to post *which* posting

Nice entry, but of typos/grammar stuff, but well done.

In the US there are remarks constantly about the LPGA. Tennis has settled down to gossip the past 15 years, US women's football(soccer), and basketball are pretty open minded. The other women's sports are not relly the focus of much media attention and therefore most people do not know/care about the issues.

In college sport: field hockey and softball are notorious for producing rumors and speculation about sexuality.

Anyway, well done.

Friar