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DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.11.01.02

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Gender and Sexuality | Health and Physical Education | Leisure Studies | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies | Recreation Business | Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration | Sports Management | Sports Studies | Tourism and Travel

Abstract

This study examined the management of aquatic venues in a number of areas (facilities, programming, human resource management, marketing, policies) as it pertains to LGBTQ participants and participation. The study utilized in-depth semi-structured interviews with 16 aquatic managers to examine steps that are currently being taken (or lack thereof) when it comes to creating environments that are perceived to be open, or closed, to LGBTQ participants. A grounded theory-based process of data collection and analysis resulted in emergent themes. These themes included: (a) gendered spaces, (b) non-aquatic initiatives, (c) staff knowledgeability, (d) departmental and organizational mission, (e) aquatic-specific programming and regulations and (f) barriers to inclusion. Management strategies around these emergent themes are discussed, with implications for aquatic managers regarding the creating of inclusive environments for LGBTQ participant populations.

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