Exploring the work-related experiences of non-heterosexual (LGBTQ+) sports coaches in the UK

Burgess, Beth ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2711-9998 (2025) Exploring the work-related experiences of non-heterosexual (LGBTQ+) sports coaches in the UK. PhD thesis, University of Worcester.

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Abstract

With an increasing population of non-heterosexuals within the UK, their acceptance and inclusion within the workplace has become an important concern. Previous research in this area is binary in its approach and focused predominantly on singular categories of sexuality and gender, e.g., lesbian women. In response, this study included sports coaches of all gender identities that identified within the spectrum of non-heterosexuality (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, etc. including those who do not use labels). The coaches (n=14) worked across 9 different sports, with an array of coaching experience, and ranged from grassroots to elite level sport. Adopting a participatory research approach enabled coaches to play an active role within the research process, rather than solely being a source of information. The participants were able to participate through a variety of methods, including creative methods of their choice, semi-structured interviews, or anonymous online open letters, to give voice to their experiences. Subsequently, 2 chose to engage with creative methods, producing 1 poem and 3 limericks, which were used in tandem with interviews to provide further elaboration and clarification. Demonstrating the preference for more traditional methods, semi-structured interviews were a self-selected method for all coaches, which took place online or in person. The research acknowledged intersecting identity characteristics, such as sexual identities, gender, and race. Additionally, various factors across individual, interpersonal, organisational and socio-cultural levels that shape coaches’ experiences were explored, including the attitudes and behaviour of athletes, parents, colleagues etc., and organisational culture, intending to contribute to understanding the experiences of minority groups within sports coaching, alongside how non-heterosexual individuals negotiate their identity within sport settings. The coaches’ knowledge and lived experiences were prioritised to inform necessary changes for improving the experiences of non-heterosexual individuals in the sports workforce or maintaining inclusive practices, through co-produced recommendations.

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