Female fans know sports, so give us the respect we deserve

This column is an opinion by Amelia Mola-Schmidt , a Canadian freelance reporter based in Prague, Czech Republic. For more information about CBC's Opinion section, please see the FAQ.

There is no doubt that women face a glass ceiling in professional sports — we have seen this more than ever in recent weeks in Canada. Just look at what is happening with the women's national soccer team.

But the pervasiveness of gender inequality goes beyond the player level — women also face barriers as sports fans. 

As a sports fan myself, I am familiar with these obstacles. When I make a statement like "I love the Toronto Maple Leafs!'' in the company of a male friend, the enthusiastic response I anticipate is often met with raised eyebrows and a smug expression.

In many cases, when I talk about my love of sports, the first thing men do is actively question my knowledge. I have been grilled with comments like "name five players," and "do you even know what offside means?" in a way that suggests that based on my status as a female sports fan, I am unqualified to engage in game talk.

Yes, I do know the answer, and so do a lot of women. So why are we subject to interrogation? The idea that women do not "know" sports as well as men is rooted in a sexist and patriarchal past that viewed professional athletics as men's domain. Not only is this incorrect, but it creates a hostile environment for women to express their love for sports freely.

Research has debunked the misconception that men are the die-hard sports fans in society, while women are simply passive spectators. Female fans know just as much as men and are just as passionate. But with the societal perception of men being "true fans," they gatekeep who is a "real fan" and who is