Date of Award
Spring 2026
Document Type
Open Access Dissertation
Department
Educational Leadership and Policies
First Advisor
Christian K. Anderson
Abstract
Despite the increased visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) inclusion in college sports, it remains unclear whether athletes find these environments truly safe, supportive, and able to live authentically. Institutional evaluations and rankings often focus on policies and public commitments, offering limited insight into how inclusion is experienced in everyday athletic settings. Consequently, little is known about whether institutions labeled as inclusive actually foster environments where LGBTQ athletes feel a sense of belonging, authenticity, and meaningful support.
Rooted in an interpretivist-constructivist paradigm and guided by narrative inquiry (Clandinin & Connelly, 2000), this study examines the lived experiences of seven LGBTQ former National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletes who competed across six sports at institutions recognized for LGBTQ inclusion through Athlete Ally’s Athletic Equality Index. Data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, enabling participants to reflect on identity, belonging, safety, relationships, and institutional support within these environments.
Findings show that inclusion mainly occurred through relationships, visibility, and daily interactions rather than through formal policies or institutional rankings. Participants described authenticity, freedom, community, and belonging as key to inclusion, while also noting that support was often conditional and depended on individual advocacy, informal allies, and personal courage rather than consistent vi institutional action. Even in highly ranked environments, athletes faced silence, inconsistent support, and a reliance on trusted individuals instead of institutional guarantees.
By highlighting the voices of LGBTQ former college athletes, this study questions policy-driven understandings of inclusion in college sports. The findings emphasize the need for athletic departments and higher education leaders to go beyond symbolic gestures toward lasting, relationship-based, and accountable approaches that promote real safety, belonging, and fairness.
Rights
© 2026, Alyssa Morgan Edlin
Recommended Citation
Edlin, A. M.(2026). Between What’s Promised and What’s Lived: LGBTQ Former College Athletes’ Experiences at Inclusive Institutions. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/8920