On Wednesday, November 2, 2011, Dr. Pat Griffin, a National Collegiate Athletic Association recognized speaker and Professor Emerita in the Social Justice Education program at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, met with faculty, staff, and students to discuss heterosexism and homophobia in sports. In a conversation-style discussion, Dr. Griffin talked about the intersections of race, homophobia, and sexism in sports. The conversation shifted from the generational gap between coaches and athletes to LGBTQ issues, the stigma around the word “lesbian” to discourage athleticism, and the difficulties transgender athletes face in gendered sports. Griffin noted that while professional sports have lagged behind on LGBTQ issues, collegiate sports increasingly have addressed many LGBTQ issues in the past five years.
Dr. Griffin is Professor Emerita in the Social Justice Education Program at the University of Massachusetts, and the former Director of "It Takes a Team!" Education Campaign for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues in Sports, an initiative of the Women's Sports Foundation.
This event was hosted by Mason’s Associate Athletic Director Nena Rogers. Women and Gender Studies and LGBTQ Resources co-sponsored the event.
Students and staff stayed long after the scheduled event time to continue conversations with the guest speaker, Pat Griffin.
November 04, 2011