Journal of Physical Education and Sports Management

Motivation to Participate in Recreation/Sport for Gay Athletes
Greg Place, Ph.D; Jen Livengood, Ph.D.

Abstract
Understanding of motivation to participation and satisfaction from participation in an activity has provided parks and recreation professionals a window into how to better serve and program. One subculture that has lacked a previous research focus has been the Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered, and Bisexual (GLBT) population. This study investigated those factors which motivate members of the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered) community to participate in a GLBT sports tournament. Data from interviews with 15 individuals at a GLBT sport tournament were examined using Glaser and Strauss‟ (1967) method for analyzing qualitative data to determine the variables that contributed most to explaining leisure motivation and satisfaction in this setting. The most common factor that contributed to motivation was in the area of social opportunities. In addition, respondents were motivated and found satisfaction from learning a new skill, overcoming childhood obstacles, and the enjoyment of playing softball.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jpesm.v5n1a1