Citation

Caudwell J. J. Lesbian Stud. 2009; 13(3): 255-271.

Affiliation

Sociology of Sport and Leisure Cultures, The Chelsea School, University of Brighton, Gaudick Road,Eastbourne BN20 7LS, UK. J.C.Caudwell@brighton.ac.uk

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10894160902876697

PMID

19598047

Abstract

In this article, sport film is taken as a social and cultural space where women's bodies are made publicly in/visible. Two films-Girlfight and Bend it Like Beckham-provide the focus for critical discussion. Moreover, a queer-feminist analysis explores the links between participation in boxing and football (soccer), and women's sexuality as represented in the films. Lesbian sexualities are considered in a critique of the erasure of the lesbian sport [film] star. Sexual subjectivity is also discussed in relation to the heterosexual heroic and to patriarchy. In this way I interrogate heterosexuality. I also consider links between ethnicity, women's bodies, and sexuality. In the final instance, I show that the films work to reproduce heterosexual hegemony and depict heteronormative assimilation.

Language: en