“ADD SEX AND STIR”:1 HOMOPHOBIC COVERAGE OF WOMEN'S CRICHET IN AUSTRALIA

Abstract

In January 1994, there occurred one of the most extraordinary events in the history of women's sport in Australia. It was reported on national television and radio that female cricketer Denise Annetts had been dropped from the Australian team and had lodged a complaint over her dismissal with the Anti-Discrimination Board. Her allegations of discrimination on the basis of her heterosexuality and marital status resulted in the sudden ascendancy of women's cricket from media obscurity to the national limelight. This article provides an Australian focus to the growing literature on heterosexism and homophobia in sport. It examines the media's preoccupation with the issue of lesbianism and the concomitant trivialization of women's sport. Most important, it considers whether media coverage of the cricketer's allegations has reinforced existing prejudices to exacerbate homophobia or has prompted discussion and action to combat homophobia in women's sport. In addition, it looks at how a decision made by a sporting body was used to question the nation's antidiscrimination legislation. It is intended that this paper will contribute to discussion aimed at improving sporting opportunities for all women, regardless of their sexual orientation.