• Sport Participation of LGBT and Their Allies in Nagoya: Frequency, gender division, and an alternative arena

    Author(s):
    Alisa Takashima, Chikako Tanimoto (see profile)
    Date:
    2019
    Subject(s):
    Japan, Sexual minorities, Sports
    Item Type:
    Article
    Tag(s):
    Gay Games, Transgender, LGBT, Queer and gender studies, Sport
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/y4tk-4961
    Abstract:
    This paper attempts to address the problems and possibilities in the current situation of LGBT people’s sport participation in Japan, with a special focus on transgender athletes. By analysing qualitative data collected at a LGBT pride parade, we aim to investigate the frequency of sport participation by transgender athletes as well as their preferred and obligatory gender on participating in competitive sport events. Also, the recognition rate of Gay Games was measured in search of an alternative sporting arena for Japanese LGBT people. Results show that gender preference and experience of competitive sports differ among transgender people; however, some do seem to feel anxious or hesitant when participating. The community seems to expect respect and recognition towards gender/sexual diversity and personal preferences as well as inherent physical differences from sport events, but the ideal method to achieve this in terms of competitive sport does not appear to be unified. The majority of the respondents, especially those who participate in competitive sports and are interested in the Olympics, seemed attracted by the quality of the Gay Games despite its low recognition rate, which may signify a possible alternative temporary solution for the current sporting environment.
    Notes:
    This is a preprint version of the published conference paper. In the published version, page numbers are pp. 35-43.
    Metadata:
    xml
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    4 years ago
    License:
    All Rights Reserved

    Downloads

    Item Name: pdf proceedings_gena-transnational-conference.pdf
      Download View in browser
    Activity: Downloads: 254

    Back to Deposits