Coming-out Fußball - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Coming out as a football player can be a daunting and challenging experience, as the sport has historically been seen as a hyper-masculine and heteronormative environment.
- 2. There have been very few professional football players who have come out as LGBTQ+ during their playing careers. This is often due to fear of discrimination, backlash from fans, and potential negative impacts on their careers.
- 3. In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards greater acceptance and inclusivity in football, with organizations such as Stonewall and Football v Homophobia working to combat homophobia and promote LGBTQ+ visibility in the sport.
- 4. The first openly gay male professional footballer in the UK was Justin Fashanu, who came out in 1990. Tragically, Fashanu faced significant backlash and discrimination, and ultimately took his own life in 1998.
- 5. Megan Rapinoe, a professional soccer player for the US women's national team, is one of the most well-known LGBTQ+ athletes in the world. Rapinoe has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used her platform to promote inclusivity in sports.
- 6. In 2018, former German international footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger came out as gay, becoming one of the highest-profile male footballers to do so. Hitzlsperger has since become an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in football.
- 7. Despite the progress that has been made, homophobia and discrimination still exist in football. Players who come out may still face backlash from fans, teammates, and coaches, and may struggle to find acceptance within the sport.
- 8. It is important for football clubs and organizations to create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ players, coaches, and fans. This includes implementing anti-discrimination policies, promoting diversity and inclusion, and providing support for LGBTQ+ individuals in the sport.
- 9. Coming out as LGBTQ+ in football can have a positive impact on the sport as a whole, by challenging stereotypes and promoting greater acceptance and understanding of diverse identities.
- 10. Ultimately, the decision to come out is a personal one, and each individual must consider their own safety, well-being, and comfort level before sharing their identity with others in the football world.