As Johnston notes, a woman athlete eager to avoid being "branded" as a lesbian may flaunt her heterosexuality, and an insensitivity "one level above homophobia" is likely to emerge.
These negative reactions from both male and female athletes, derived from ignorance rather than malicious intent, contribute to the low self-esteem society seems to encourage from its gay members.
Dermody urges closeted athletes to "come out," though she knows from experience how difficult this can be for an athlete.
An openly gay person who gains acceptance on a personal level can further the cause of the entire gay community by dispelling myths and prompting realizations that discrimination against gays is wrong and misguided. The more this is recognized and accepted in society, the easier it will be for others to come out.
"I don't think [comments about 'fags'] come from hostility," Dermody says. "A simple reply, like, 'That means nigger to me--you're subconsciously equating gayness and badness and that alienates me,' on a one-to-one level can do so much."
An athlete, or anyone, may react to a confrontation like this with hostility. But with increased awareness, the individual may respond to the personal approach with acceptance and understanding for the problems gays face in our society.
"Maybe they'll be uncomfortable the next time [they hear a homophobic remark,]" Dermody says. "Then, the next time, they'll turn away, and the third time, they'll finally say, 'That's just not cool.'"
Of course, any broad stereotype of athletes and homophobia is unfair and ignores those who openly affirm gay rights. For instance, Cice says several athletes visibly supported the gay community during the Mather harrassment incident.
Even those who show homophobic tendencies usually mean no harm. "He played like a fag," a basketball player says. "Did you know he's openly homosexual? Print that," a lacrosse player jokes. The statements are offensive, but not intentionally so.
The insensitive individual just assumes that he's not offending anyone. But maybe someone in hearing distance is gay and flinching with every word.
Regardless of D'Alessio's sexual orientation, some people in Boston Garden that Saturday night felt personally attacked by the crowd's statements.
"What hurts me about that ignorance and bigotry is the thought that some of the players, and certainly some people in the stands, are gay and lesbian and closeted, and hating themselves," Cice says.
Increased Awareness
Homophobia, however, is not like claustrophobia. It can be cured by increased awareness. Homophobes should be educated, not "defeated."
The gay community must recognize that some tactics, such as the recent posters for "In Eros Veritas: True Gay Stories" featuring Olympic wrestlers in competition on the mat, will not help to ease stereotypes and insensitivity.
But if confrontational tactics are the only way to improve tolerance in society, and especially in sport, they should be used in a responsible manner. Athletics should be the paragon of equal opportunity for everyone.