LGBTQIA + Individuals in the Sports Context: A Systematic Literature Review Based on Social Identity Theory

The sporting context remains marked by barriers and discrimination for specific groups. This study aimed to present a systematic literature review on sports and LGBTQIA + individuals, informed by Social Identity Theory. Without temporal restrictions, we searched APA, Pepsic, Scielo, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. We retrieved 7031 articles, and the screening process resulted in the review of 88 articles on the topic. Initially, bibliometric data were used to characterize empirical studies in the field. Subsequently, three judges classified the studies into categories derived from the theoretical model. We adopted the PRISMA Protocol for reporting the review process and its findings. The findings were organized into two axes. In the Personal Axis, we included the categories Identity construction (n = 42), In-group affection (n = 15), and Group belonging (n = 28). In the Intergroup Axis, the categories were Social comparison (n = 37), Social discrimination and negative intergroup attitudes (n = 52), and Intergroup mobility (n = 20). The findings point to progress in discussing LGBTQIA + individuals in sports, although prejudices and differences between groups remain significant. We present a research agenda and recommendations for developing public and institutional policies to combat LGBTphobia in the sports context.