Backstage, Frontstage

Abstract

American culture and attitudes are profoundly homophobic. Studies abound that describe the violence and discrimination that traditionally have been part of a homosexual's life. Growing up “queer” in the United States prompts many homosexuals to consciously or unconsciously suppress homoerotic feelings (Forstein, 1988). The traditionally male and female identities in society are strongly connected to heterosexuality. Reality and fear that constrain a homosexual result in what Schwanberg (1993) states is a “rigidly segmented life in which one works as a straight person and plays as a gay one” (p. 47). Utilizing Goffmanian terminology, this study will explore the presentation of front and backstage selves of women recreational softball players in Alaska.