LGBTQ+ youth perceptions of barriers to physical activity and sport: a mixed methods study

Guided by Ferdman’s (2014, The practice of inclusion in diverse organizations: Toward a systemic and inclusive framework. In B. M. Ferdman, & B. R. Deane (Eds.), J-B SIOP professional practice series: Diversity at work: The practice of inclusion (pp. 3–54). Jossey-Bass; Paradoxes of inclusion: Understanding and managing the tensions of diversity and multiculturalism. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 53(2), 235–263. https://doi.org/10.1177/00218863177026082017) framework of inclusion, the purpose of this study was to use a convergent mixed methods design to examine how LGBTQ + youth in a southeastern U.S. state at an inclusive summer camp perceive and experience physical activity and sport (PAS). To accomplish this, 89 campers at a weeklong LGBTQ + youth summer camp completed the Barriers to Physical Activity and Sport Questionnaire for LGBTQ + (BPASQ-LGBTQ+; Úbeda-Colomer et al., 2020. Development and validation of the Barriers to Physical Activity and Sport Questionnaire for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning persons. Public Health, 185, 202–208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2020.05.020), as well as a community mapping exercise and focus group interview. The BPASQ-LGBTQ + was analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics and the community mapping and focus group interviews were analyzed utilizing reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2013, Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners. Sage). Two themes were constructed from the data: (1) surveillance and dysphoria, related to intrapersonal barriers, and (2) stuck in the binary, relating to the systemic issues the participants experienced. If PAS settings are to become more inclusive for LGBTQ + youth (and adults), significant reforms must address organizational and intrapersonal barriers.