In the Game: Gay Athletes and the Cult of Masculinity

Focusing on the experiences of both openly gay and closeted athletes, the book delves into the reproduction of homophobia in sports and the evolving landscape of American masculinity. Through personal interviews, it highlights how these athletes confront and challenge traditional norms, navigating an often hostile environment, particularly in high school locker rooms characterized by a "don't ask, don't tell" mentality. The work emphasizes the potential for change as gay athletes emerge from their closets and reshape their sporting contexts.