ABOUT DISCOURSE

As a forum for gay people and sport, Discourse encourages all individuals with an interest in this subject to contribute their thoughts, in writing, about any aspect of what it means to be a gay athlete, coach, trainer, spectator, or scholar.

Discourse intends to examine the current climate of sport at every level and to bring about change through challenging discussions and the dissemination of ideas. We believe that to solve the problems that face GLBT people who participate in sport, and to gain real acceptance, it is necessary to have an ongoing and in-depth dialogue, maintained by the athletes and participants themselves. Discourse is primarily for athletes, current and former, competitive and recreational. However, Discourse welcomes the ideas and perspectives of individuals who do not necessarily fit this description, but who have an interest in GLBT people and sport. Discourse seeks submissions continuously from any individual who wants to add to the discussion.

The purpose of Discourse is to:

• Identify the topics relevant to GLBT athletes and other figures in sport
• Examine these topics in depth
• Begin to resolve them

We will achieve these goals through a written collection of ideas, observations, theories, and opinions regarding GLBT athletes. The journal includes accounts from athletes in all sports, both recreational and competitive, as well as coaches, trainers, and scholars. Discourse will become a long-term, sustainable journal of writing that provides commentary on current issues as well as traces the history of attitudes within the GLBT athletic community. By documenting our experiences, we can begin to discover the patterns that will allow all GLBT people to achieve complete acceptance in sport.

Why writing?

Writing, more than any other medium, encourages critical thinking about our own ideas and the ideas of others while providing the largest number of people the opportunity to speak. Because of the variety of our individual experience, it is difficult to tell what are the most important issues that gay people involved with sport face on a daily basis. There are countless gay athletes—as well as gay coaches, trainers, administrators, and spectators—and we believe it is beneficial to hear from anyone who has something to say. Therefore, this journal offers an outlet for these ideas and voices to be heard in a more comprehensive format.

The structure of Discourse is entirely flexible, in terms of both format and content. Published submissions include essays, stories, open letters, poems, editorials, or any other medium that is capable of conveying your idea.

Welcome to Discourse! Enjoy the articles.

Please consider contributing if you have a response to a current article or if you recognize a new topic that needs to be pursued. (Please see the How to Submit page for details about how to contribute.)

Ryan Quinn & Jordan Goldwarg, co-founders