The U.S. women’s soccer team’s loss to Sweden in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinals has stirred online debate about the team’s performance and the role of biphobia in the sport.
Some fans have criticized the team for its defensive play and lack of creativity, while others have pointed to the team’s lack of diversity as a contributing factor to its loss. Still others have blamed biphobia in the sport for creating a hostile environment for bi players, which may have contributed to the team’s performance.
Biphobia is the prejudice against people who are bisexual. It can manifest in a variety of ways, including discrimination, harassment, and violence. Biphobia can be especially harmful in sports, where athletes are often under intense scrutiny and pressure to conform to traditional gender roles.
In the case of the U.S. women’s soccer team, some fans have accused the team of being “too bi” and of not being “committed enough” to the sport. These comments are harmful and contribute to the biphobic climate in sports.