Final answer:
The true statement about sexual orientation in sports is that homophobia is prominent and can be destructive. Sexual orientation-based discrimination is backed by research and major policies to address systemic inequalities based on orientation have only recently been enacted.
Step-by-step explanation:
In addressing the statement regarding sexual orientation in sport settings, the accurate response is that homophobia is indeed prominent and can be destructive in the context of sports. Research supports that stereotypes and misinformation are rampant and that the ideology of heterosexism, asserting heterosexual orientation as the norm, has been ingrained in social institutions to the detriment of non-heterosexual individuals. The presence of discrimination based on sexual orientation has only begun to be addressed in recent years, with major policies such as the repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' and the recognition of same-sex marriage by the Supreme Court, helping to reduce systemic inequalities.