"Why the 'Mans Mans' Game is an Insult to Men"

In the movie Training Rules, Penn State was definitely not a safe space for LGBT athletes. Coach Rene Portland completely ostracized her players that were lesbian or associated with other lesbian students. She was known for kicking players off of the team because they "appeared" to be lesbians, and was clear about her "no gay players" policy. Portland was also known for taking away players scholarships and making sure that they weren't able to play on any other college teams. In one case, she was recognized for withholding transcripts and information on a player when the player had decided to transfer colleges because of this discrimination.

In this same video, some of the older players mentioned that the previous coach was much more supportive and didn't mind her players sexualities. She was accepting of all women basketball players unlike coach Portland. Lastly, according to the film, coach Portland was extremely homophobic and had made a statement in the news paper about her beliefs. To me this is completely not okay to do to anyone, including college athletes. She was both mentally and physically damaging these girls. Portland was abusive towards her players and some of them still have terrible memories from her harsh words and rude actions.

On the other hand, some of the strategies that might be possible solutions would be to not question athletes sexuality. In the film I specifically remember coach Portland pulling players aside to question not only their personal sexuality, but the sexuality of other athletes on the team. She was determined to weed out anyone that was not within her "standards" of the overall team. Although the LGBT community has become more popular and outsiders have become more accepting though out the years, there is still a large struggle going on in today's world. Not only do these people feel uncomfortable around those who are not in the same category as them, but they are being ridiculed for their differences.

I find it difficult to come up with specific examples or options to change our societies view on this issue, however I still think that a change can take place. Especially in college sports. Some of the negativity comes from coaches, but I definitely think that some comes from surrounding players as well. One suggestion I might make is that colleges should pass a statement where sexuality isn't allowed to be questioned. This would help because there will be less judgements, stereotyping, shunning and shaming. Overall I think that all colleges need to act upon this in a way that can both protect and help their players that are of the LGBT community.