In recent years, media have begun to explore the complex intersection of sports culture; closeted and openly lesbian, gay or bisexual athletes; homophobia and sexual prejudice. Anti-gay comments by athletes like Tim Hardaway, John Rocker and Terrell Owens; speculation about celebrity athletes' sexual orientations; and the coming-out stories ofretired NBA center John Amaechi, WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes, former NFL lineman Esera Tuaolo, transgender sports columnist Christine Daniels and others have catalyzed national dialogues on these issues.

Few coaches, managers or players have any experience working with openly gay teammates. And most sports professionals publicly proclaim there are no gay people on their team, enforcing a closet mentality through locker-room jokes and innuendoes about gay men. Coaches and managers often express concern about public reaction to openly gay athletes, worrying that the long-held stereotype of gay male effeminacy would damage a team's reputation and competitive edge. As a result, gay male athletes are deeply closeted through a system of institutionalized intimidation.

In women's sports, the messages are often more mixed. Some organizations, like the WNBA, have targeted lesbian fans through promotions, and out tennis player Martina Navratilova has become a spokesperson on LGBT issues.

Within the gay community, LGBT teams and organizations have formed for league play, and the international Gay Games has grown to become the largest event of its kind worldwide. The Sports Project for the National Center for Lesbian Rights directs legal advocacy, research and visibility initiatives in the field, and Outsports.com provides information and resources for LGBT athletes and sports fans.

When covering the issue of gays and lesbians in sports, expand your focus beyond those who claim that team sports are not able to deal with openly gay athletes. Sports columnists, coaches, managers and athletes (straight and gay) often claim it would be impossible for an openly gay athlete to play in team sports. When reporting on the topic, consider seeking out other voices in the sports world or in the LGBT community who would challenge the merits of this claim.

Treat homophobic and transphobic comments from pro athletes, managers and coaches as you would similar remarks by other public figures. Just as anti-gay epithets would receive extensive coverage if uttered by an elected official or a Hollywood celebrity, homophobia by sports figures should be publicly examined and discussed in a larger context.