Most Sportswomen ‘have Lesbian Tendencies’ (Press, 18 December 1989)

A West German social scientist, Birgit Palzkill, has made controversial claims in her forthcoming doctoral thesis, due to be published in February 1990, suggesting that a staggering 90 per cent of sportswomen have homosexual tendencies, particularly in competitive sports such as football, handball, and tennis. Palzkill's investigation into the sexuality of sportswomen is based on interviews with 19 lesbian athletes, leading her to conclude that many of these women struggle with their femininity due to societal stereotypes which dictate that women should be small, gentle, and pretty. The sociologist argues that these perceived norms are challenged when girls engage in competitive sports, which often require traits deemed traditionally masculine, such as strength and competitiveness. This conflict can lead young women to reject these stereotypes early in childhood, particularly by avoiding dolls and instead embracing sports. However, Palzkill argues that the onset of puberty exacerbates this conflict, causing social pressures and ridicule from peers, making some young women feel different. According to her findings, many women in sports feel that they can only be accepted by displaying masculine traits, leading to a potentially damaging duality in their identities. Palzkill notes that while some women abandon sports altogether to resolve this conflict, others continue and may present a tough, asexual front. She posits that this internal struggle can lead not only to forming a stable sense of identity but may also result in personality issues and increased reliance on sports as a coping mechanism. In response to Palzkill’s remarks, several prominent West German athletes have dismissed her claims. Kira Berger, captain of the national ice hockey team, asserted that there is no greater incidence of lesbianism in her team than in the general population. Tennis star Sylvia Hanika labelled the findings as “ridiculous” and rejected the assertion that 90 per cent of tennis players are homosexual. Palzkill recounts the experiences of the athletes she interviewed, indicating that their understanding of femininity evolved significantly after they decided to live openly as lesbians. Nonetheless, she underscores that this choice often comes with significant social consequences. One example she cites is an unnamed athlete who was expelled from a national team following allegations of attempting to seduce a team-mate, highlighting the potential risks faced by sportswomen who challenge societal norms regarding gender and sexuality. Overall, Palzkill's thesis sparks debate about the intersection of sport, gender identity, and sexual orientation, as well as the societal expectations placed on women in competitive environments.

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