Sport, sexuality, and films: a critical analysis of the documentary series “Coming Out Colton”

Films are undoubtedly part of the unofficial curricula that shape young people's values and social behavior. This paper addresses key questions about the interplay between pedagogies of visual culture and the construction and acceptance of gender diversity in the realm of sports, with a central focus on representations of masculinities. It critically analyzes the documentary series “Coming Out Colton.” Released in 2021 by Netflix, the series highlights the challenges and drama of a former NFL player's coming-out journey. By employing a qualitative analysis of audiovisual narrative combined with thematic analysis of the main messages contained in the episodes of the documentary, the study explores how the sports environment, often seen as a heteronormative and masculinized social context, places significant pressure on athletes to conform to heteronormative gender expectations. Our findings suggest that while the documentary does not emphasize intersections between issues of race, ability, or gender diversity beyond the binary, it holds substantial potential in shaping discussions about gender, masculinities, and sexualities in sports. Recognizing that the documentary prompts reflections on pedagogical approaches through films, we identify an opportunity to foster meaningful discussions that empower our society to embrace diversity and contribute to a more inclusive sporting culture.