Jump to content

Homosexuality in association football

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Homophobia has been widespread in men's association football, also known as soccer, throughout the world.

There are a number of openly LGBT+ players in women's association football, with relatively few in the men's game. Most of the LGBT+ male players come out after retirement.[1]

Background

[edit]

In 2006 journalist Simon Barnes wrote that homophobia in football was entrenched and would never change,[2] and in 2009 journalist Matt Williams wrote that being a gay professional player in football was still a taboo,[3] Football magazine When Saturday Comes described homosexuality as a "continuing taboo" in the sport in 2013.[4] One male player who came out after retiring said that there are at least as many closeted gay male players as there are openly LGBT+ female players.[1] John Amaechi, the first NBA player to come out, in 2014 blamed football's "toxic" culture for the lack of openly gay players,[5] while English former footballer Clarke Carlisle called for more education to be given to players to combat homophobia.[6]

In June 2022, it was revealed that homophobia made up the majority of online abuse aimed at footballers, 40% for men and 27% for women.[7]

In July 2023, Quinn became the first openly transgender player at a World Cup.[8]

By country

[edit]

Australia

[edit]

The first male professional player to come out was Andy Brennan, who did so in May 2019, when playing for Green Gully in the National Premier Leagues Victoria, a semi-professional league.[9] In October 2021,[10] A-League Men player Josh Cavallo became the first openly gay active top flight footballer in the world.[11]

No male Australian internationals are openly gay, though a number of the Australian women's national team are, including Sam Kerr,[12] Michelle Heyman[13] and Tameka Yallop (née Butt).[14]

Austria

[edit]

In March 2024, national team manager Ralf Rangnick dropped three players for homophobic chanting following a club game.[15]

Brazil

[edit]

In 2007, Richarlyson was named on Brazilian television as gay by the administrative manager of a rival team. When Richarlyson undertook legal action, the complaint was thrown out by the judge, who stated "football was a virile masculine sport and not a homosexual one."[16] Richarlyson would later come out as bisexual in 2022.[17]

Jamerson Michel da Costa, nicknamed Messi, is the first Brazilian footballer who came out as homossexual while pursuing his professional career, in September 2010.[18]

In January 2019, former Botafogo footballer Douglas Braga said that he had quit football aged 21 as it was not possible for him to be both gay and a footballer.[19]

Many Brazilian footballers refuse to wear shirt number 24 for fear of being labelled as gay, as the number 24 is associated with homosexuality in Brazil. This derives from the number 24 in Jogo do bicho being assigned to the deer – veado in Portuguese, which sounds like viado, a slur for a gay man – and from the Portuguese for 24, vinte e quatro, sounding like vim de quatro ("I came on all fours", making reference to the doggy style).[20]

After the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a shout imported from Mexican fans "oooh, puto" was adopted as a sensation by several fan groups organized as "oooh, bicha", shouted at rival team goal kicks. After interruptions due to homophobic demonstrations and the COVID-19 crisis, the shout fell into disuse.[21]

Several renowned Brazilian women's internationals are openly lesbian, including Bárbara, Cristiane, Debinha and Marta.[22][23]

Emerson Ferretti, historic goalkeeper for EC Bahia, was elected president of the club in 2023. Ferretti had declared himself homosexual in August 2022.[24]

In 2024, the minor league football player Polidoro Júnior, famous for affairs with Brazilian celebrities, claimed to have had a relationship with Pabllo Vittar.[25]

Bulgaria

[edit]

In 2006, PFC Levski Sofia president Todor Batkov called referee Mike Riley a "British homosexual",[26] following Riley's controversial sending off of Cedric Bardon during the UEFA Cup quarterfinal game against Schalke 04.[27][28]

Czech Republic

[edit]

In 2019, Barbora Votíková, a Paris Saint-Germain FC and Czech Republic women's national football team player, came out as gay.[29]

In February 2023, Sparta Prague and Czech Republic national team midfielder Jakub Jankto came out as gay, the first active men's international player to do so.[30][31]

Denmark

[edit]

Anders Lindegaard is one of the few footballers to have spoken out against the intolerance of homosexuality in football[32] and the absence of openly gay players from the professional game, in 2012.[33]

England

[edit]
Main article: Homosexuality in English football
Casey Stoney, who captained the England women's team, is a lesbian.

Justin Fashanu, older brother of fellow footballer John Fashanu, was the first professional footballer to come out as gay,[34] after he agreed to an exclusive with tabloid newspaper The Sun on 22 October 1990.[35] Fashanu claimed to have had an affair with a married Conservative MP who he first met in a London gay bar.[36] A week later, John Fashanu publicly distanced himself from his brother, describing Justin as an "outcast",[37][38][39] while Justin's manager Brian Clough famously described him as a "bloody poof".[34] Fashanu was interviewed for the July 1991 cover story of Gay Times, and Fashanu revealed that no club had offered him a full-time contract since the story first appeared.[40] In the morning of 3 May 1998, he was found hanged in a deserted lock-up garage he had broken into, in Shoreditch, London, after visiting Chariots Roman Spa, a local gay sauna. In his suicide note, he stated: "I realised that I had already been presumed guilty. I do not want to give any more embarrassment to my friends and family," in reference to allegations of sexual assault made against him.[41]

In August 2010, Hope Powell, the openly gay coach of the England women's team, was named in 68th place on The Independent newspaper's Pink List of influential lesbian and gay people in the UK.[42]

In 2013, David Haigh became the first openly gay managing director of an English football club.[43][44][45][46] In November 2017, Pink News credited David Haigh along with Robbie Rogers and Thomas Hitzlsperger with paving the way for LGBT players and managers in football.[47]

Many players have come out in recent years, including Casey Stoney, captain of the England women's team, who came out in February 2014.[48] Liam Davis, a non-league player with Gainsborough Trinity, revealed in 2014 that he had been out as gay for four years; he is the country's only openly gay male semi-professional player.[49][50] In June 2020, ex-player Thomas Beattie came out as gay.[51][52]

In August 2017, Ryan Atkin came out as gay, becoming the first openly gay match official in English football.[53][54]

In July 2019, an anonymous Twitter account called 'The Gay Footballer' announced that they were a professional footballer playing in the EFL Championship. After saying they intended to come out publicly, they later deleted the account.[55][56]

On 16 May 2022, Blackpool player Jake Daniels came out as gay, making him the only current gay male professional footballer in the UK.[57] He said that doing so would allow him to be "free and confident",[58] and it was described by the BBC as a "watershed moment".[59]

No player has ever played in the English Premier League while openly gay, and openly gay German player Thomas Hitzlsperger stated in January 2014 that he thought it would be a long time before this happened.[60] Players such as John Ruddy,[61] Richarlison and Lucas Digne[62] have spoken about their belief that a gay teammate would be accepted and supported. In July 2020, a current Premier League player revealed he was gay but would/could not come out.[63]

Homophobia and homophobic abuse

[edit]

On multiple occasions there have been reports of homophobic chanting by fans attending matches, and arrests made or fines issued to fans and clubs. In December 2011, a Southampton fan was banned for three years for homophobic chanting.[64] In August 2019, Bristol Rovers were fined by the FA for homophobic chanting by their fans.[65] In December 2019, Brighton players were subjected to homophobic abuse by Wolves fans; two people were arrested.[66] On 1 February 2020, two West Ham United fans were arrested in London Stadium by the police for directing homophobic chants towards Brighton & Hove Albion fans during a Premier League match.[67]

In January 2023, there were alleged homophobic chants by Nottingham Forest fans, aimed at Chelsea fans,[68] by Manchester United fans against Everton manager Frank Lampard (who used to play for Chelsea),[69] by Manchester City fans, also aimed at Chelsea,[70] and by Liverpool fans against Chelsea, for which three people were later arrested.[71] The FA said that they would charge the clubs whose fans had targeted Chelsea,[72] with the chant in question having been defined as a homophobic slur by the Crown Prosecution Service in January 2022.[73] In March 2023 there were homophobic chants during a match between Leeds United and Brighton, with Leeds later being fined £150,000.[74] In April 2023, three Wolverhampton Wanderers fans were arrested following homophobic chanting during a match against Chelsea.[75] In July 2023, a Fulham fan was banned for three years for homophobic chants,[76] and later that month, Wolverhampton Wanderers were fined £100,000 due to homophobic chants by their fans.[77] In May 2023, a LGBTQ+ Manchester United supporters group criticised chanting from their own fans against opposition players.[78]

Heterosexual players, such as Sol Campbell,[79] Ryan Allsop,[80] Billy Gilmour[81] and Conor Gallagher[82] have been the victim of homophobic abuse by fans. Another heterosexual player, Graeme Le Saux, was homophobically abused by fellow player Robbie Fowler.[34]

In August 2014, Malky Mackay and Iain Moody were accused of sending each other racist, sexist and homophobic text messages.[83] Moody left his job as sporting director of Crystal Palace as a result.[84] Mackay apologised for the texts.[85] The League Manager's Association defended Mackay, claiming that the texts were merely "banter"; the LMA later apologised for this.[86][87] Mackay denied being racist, sexist or homophobic.[88]

In April 2014, Colin Kazim-Richards was found guilty of making a homophobic gesture at Brighton fans.[89] In December 2021, Walsall player Manny Monthe was banned for seven matches for making a homophobic comment during a game.[90]

In January 2022, Ian Holloway said he felt English football was homophobic.[91]

Advocacy and activism

[edit]

The Gay Football Supporters Network was founded in 1989 to campaign for gay rights in English football, and it currently organises the GFSN National League, a league consisting of gay teams.[92] Stonewall Football Club is currently[when?] Britain's highest ranking gay football team, are on the verge of going semi-professional.[citation needed]

The prominent gay rights activist Peter Tatchell joined a Football Association campaign against homophobia in football,[93] but later left stating the organisation does not take the matter seriously.[94]

The gay rights group Stonewall published a report in August 2009 which described English football as "institutionally homophobic".[95] In February 2014, it was revealed that only 11 of the Premier League's 20 teams, and only 17 of the Football League's 72 teams, had joined the 'Football v Homophobia' campaign.[96]

In December 2013, Leeds United, became the first Stonewall Diversity Champion in English football, championing gay equality within the club and wider football.[97] Former Leeds United player Robbie Rogers, who was one of the first male professional footballers to come out as gay, launched his 'Beyond It' anti-discrimination charity with David Haigh at the club.[98]

In August 2023, Aaron Ramsdale, whose brother is gay, said he would begin calling out homophobia in the sport.[99]

France

[edit]

Olivier Rouyer came out after retiring as a player and coach.[34][100][101]

A gay amateur team operates in Paris under the name Paris Foot Gay. The club's highest profile supporter from within the professional game has been former France national football team player Vikash Dhorasoo (who is heterosexual)[102] whilst a number of leading French professional clubs have signed their charter against homophobia.[103] The club ran into controversy in 2009, however, when an amateur side Creteil Bebel refused to play them due to the "principles" of Paris Foot Gay.[104] Additionally, Ouissem Belgacem left Toulouse FC after five years of having to hide his homosexuality. In 2021, he published his autobiographic novel Adieu ma honte to denounce homophobia in association football.[105]

The issue returned to the spotlight in 2010 when amateur FC Chooz refused to register Yoann Lemaire, who had been with the club for 14 years, due to him being gay as they claimed it might lead to "trouble" with his teammates.[106]

In March 2019, former player Patrice Evra denied making homophobic comments against Paris Saint-Germain.[107]

In August 2019, a Ligue 2 match between Nancy FC and Le Mans FC was halted following homophobic chants from the stands against the league.[108] France's Secretary of State for Equality, Marlene Schiappa reacted on Twitter and congratulated the referee for interrupting the match.[citation needed] Later that month a game between Nice and Marseille was halted due to homophobic chanting.[109]

In May 2022, Idrissa Gueye was not included in the PSG team sheet for what manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed to be "personal reasons", and not an injury.[110] This brought the media spotlight on Gueye; RMC Sport reported that he had refused to play in the match due to PSG's shirts featuring the rainbow flag in support of the LGBT movement, an initiative taken by Ligue 1 for the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.[111][112] He had also notably missed the same fixture in the previous season, with the reasoning behind his non-participation then being that he was suffering from gastroenteritis.[113] For his controversial absence against Montpellier, Gueye received backlash and calls for sanctions from Rouge Direct, an organization against homophobia,[114] and île-de-France politician Valérie Pécresse, among others.[115] Senegalese president Macky Sall expressed his support for Gueye, justifying the position by stating that Gueye's "religious beliefs must be respected".[116]

Following the controversy surrounding Idrissa Gueye, French former international referee Nicolas Potier publicly came out.[117]

In May 2023, further players refused to participate in anti-homophobia actions,[118] with French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera calling for sanctions against them.[119]

In May 2024, Monaco player Mohamed Camara covered up anti-homophobia badges on his shirt.[120] He later received a four-match ban for this.[121]

Georgia

[edit]

In November 2017, while playing for Dutch club Vitesse, Georgian footballer Guram Kashia wore a rainbow armband as part of the Dutch initiative Coming Out Day. His show of support for gay rights led to protests outside the Georgian Football Federation's headquarters demanding his removal from the national team, at which eight people were arrested. He described himself as being "proud to support equal rights".[122]

Germany

[edit]
Former German international Thomas Hitzlsperger came out as gay after retiring.

The Hamburger SV (HSV) player Heinz Bonn (1947–1991) was the first Bundesliga player to be publicly known as being gay, but only after his death. He played for HSV from 1970 to 1973. He was found murdered in his flat in Hannover on 5 December 1991, apparently by a male prostitute, according to police investigators, although the crime has never been solved. The historian Werner Skrentny has said at the time Bonn was playing, journalists had little interest in the private lives of footballers and it would have been unthinkable for him to come out.[123] HSV has its own official LGBT fan club. Blue Pride was founded in 2006. It was renamed Volksparkjunxx in 2012.[124]

Marcus Urban, born 1971, played with the East Germany national youth football team and as an amateur in the second division club Rot-Weiß Erfurt. From the age of 13, he had been hot-housed at a specialist sports boarding school in Erfurt but at the age of 20, in 1991, when he was about to become a professional footballer, he gave up the sport. He came out to friends and family in 1994, and in 2007 publicly spoke to the media about his homosexuality and the difficulties that gay footballers experience. He said that the pressure of having to pretend to be something he was not 24 hours a day was too much for him. He became widely known after a biography titled Versteckspieler: Die Geschichte des schwulen Fußballers Marcus Urban ('Hidden Player: the story of the gay footballer Marcus Urban') was published in 2008.[125][126]

Urban has since[when?] become a spokesperson and campaigner on diversity issues in sport and the workplace. He advises the German Olympic Sports Confederation and the Sports Committee of the German Federal Parliament, as well as businesses and non-profit institutions.[127][128]

In December 2006, Rund magazine published an interview done over a two-year period with two gay footballers living secret lives. One was married and said his wife did not know of his sexual orientation nor realise he was involved in an intimate relationship with his childhood friend. The other often brought a female friend to social events.[129]

In March 2010, former manager Rudi Assauer said that "If a player came to me and said he was gay I would say to him: 'You have shown courage'. But then I would tell him to find something else to do.[130] That's because those who out themselves always end up busted by it, ridiculed by their fellow players and by people in the stands. We should spare them these witch hunts."[131]

On 8 January 2014, Thomas Hitzlsperger, who had retired from professional football in September 2013, announced that he was gay.[132] Before coming out, in September 2012, Hitzlsperger had publicly spoken about players coming out.[133] In September 2014 he said that he believed the sport was tackling homophobia.[134]

In June 2021, at the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, Germany national football team captain Manuel Neuer was investigated by UEFA for wearing a rainbow captain's armband.[135] The potential fines were dropped as the UEFA said that it was not a political statement but "a team symbol for diversity and thus for a good cause".[136]

In October 2024, Kevin Behrens apoligised after refusing to sign a rainbow-themed shirt, saying it was "gay shit". He was punished by his club.[137]

Hungary

[edit]

On 15 June 2021, Hungary played their opening match against Portugal at the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, with Hungarian fans allegedly displaying homophobic banners.[138] UEFA announced an investigation.[139]

Ireland

[edit]

In June 2019, the Irish women's national football team captain Katie McCabe and fellow Irish international Ruesha Littlejohn announced that they were in a relationship. McCabe described women's football as being "very accepting" regarding gay footballers.[140]

Mexico

[edit]

In June 2018, Mexican fans engaged in homophobic chanting during the 2018 FIFA World Cup game against Germany.[141]

Mexican football fans are known for shouting out "Puto!" (a Spanish homophobic slur), when the opposing team's goalkeeper is about to perform a goalkick. The chant has been shouted during Liga MX matches as well as in matches with the Mexico national team. However, these chants have led to fines and have also led Liga MX, FIFA, and CONCACAF to implement protocols regarding them.[142][143]

The first time these protocols were initiated were during a series of matches between Club León and Monarcas Morelia in 2019.[144]

During the 2021 CONCACAF Nations League Finals, fans chanted out the homophobic chant during both the semifinal against Costa Rica and the final match against the United States. This has led CONCACAF to initiate their anti-discrimination protocol by stopping the match in order to warn fans of getting ejected for saying the chant.[145]

In June 2021 the Mexican Football Federation were punished by FIFA for alleged homophobic chants from their fans during the 2020 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship. They were fined up to $65,000 and were forced to have the Men's National Team to play two World Cup qualifying games behind closed doors.[146]

In June 2023, during the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League semi-final between Mexico and the United States, there were homophobic chants from Mexican fans.[147]

Netherlands

[edit]

In April 2009, former Dordrecht'90 striker John de Bever married his manager and friend Kees Stevens. De Bever played at the 1996 FIFA Futsal World Championship[148] and was named World Futsal player of the year in 1997.[149]

In June 2021 on NOS podcast "de schaduwspits", an anonymous Eredivisie player came forward as to being homosexual. He did not reveal his identity however, because of the backlash he would receive.

Norway

[edit]

Thomas Berling retired from professional football after coming out in 2000, citing widespread homophobia in the football community as the reason.[150]

Several female players have come out as homosexual, including Bente Nordby and Linda Medalen.[151]

In June 2015, a Bærum SK player was given a straight red card for calling his Sandnes Ulf opponent "gay" during a 1. divisjon match.[152]

In October 2016, Stabæk Fotball became the first European club to host a pride parade preceding their home fixture against Sarpsborg 08. The team continues to host a pride parade preceding a home fixture each season.[153]

Qatar

[edit]

Ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, LGBT fans were told to be "respectful of the host nation" by British politician James Cleverly; same-sex activity is illegal in Qatar.[154] LGBT organisations in England called on pubs and bars not to stream games.[155][156]

Saudi Arabia

[edit]

In July 2023 English player Jordan Henderson, known for his support of LGBT rights, was criticised for signing for a Saudi Arabian club.[157]

Scotland

[edit]

In May 2019, Hibernian chief executive Leeann Dempster, a lesbian, said that Scottish football was ready for its first publicly gay player.[158]

In June 2019, Partick Thistle launched their new away kit for the 2019–20 season which featured LGBT rainbow details, becoming the first Scottish club to do so.[159][160][161][162]

In June 2022, Scottish referees Craig Napier and Lloyd Wilson came out as gay.[163][164]

In September 2022, Zander Murray became the first openly gay male senior player in Scotland.[165] He later said he was "blown away" by the support he had received.[166] In December 2023 he announced that he would be retiring.[167]

South Africa

[edit]

Eudy Simelane (1977–2008), a player on the South Africa women's national football team, was an openly lesbian player who was raped and murdered for being gay.[168][169]

Phuti Lekoloane was an openly gay male player who played in the South African third division.[170]

Spain

[edit]

In 1934, Ana María Martínez Sagi, partner of writer Elisabeth Mulder, became a Director of FC Barcelona, the first woman to do so in Spanish football's history.[171]

The first gay and lesbian football supporters' group to be officially accepted by a Spanish club was founded in February 2009, and supports FC Barcelona.[172]

A popular football chant in Spanish stadiums is maricón, a slur for a gay man.[172]

Spanish women's international Laura del Río is a lesbian.[173]

Atlético Madrid football player Rafael Rodríguez Rapún (1912–1937) was poet Federico García Lorca's partner in life.[174]

Referee Jesús Tomillero, the first to come out as gay, received police protection over homophobic death threats.[175]

In October 2022, Iker Casillas tweeted that he was gay, before later deleting the tweet. He said he was hacked and apologised.[176][177] Carles Puyol replied to the tweet in a joking manner, and later apologised for doing so;[178] Puyol had been a vocal public supporter of the Barcelona women's team,[179] with players suggesting they would speak with him on the matter.[180]

Sweden

[edit]

Anton Hysén, son of former Sweden international Glenn Hysén, came out as gay in March 2011 whilst playing for Utsiktens BK, then a Swedish football Division 2 side.[181]

Turkey

[edit]

Halil İbrahim Dinçdağ was a referee with the Turkey Football Federation for 13 years, but was sacked from this position due to his homosexuality. The Trabzon Board of Referees and the Turkish Football Association decided that he was not eligible for the role as he was previously excused from the military service for being homosexual. The Board of Referees has an association policy that excludes those that having not completed the military duties due to a mental illness (including homosexuality) are ineligible as referees, although normally homosexuality is not considered as such by the Turkish constitution.[182] The Turkish Football Federation was fined ₺23,000 after the incident.[183]

One of Turkey's famous football commentators, Erman Toroğlu, argued that Dinçdağ should not be given his referee position back due to the professional reasons such as the possibility for making wrong decisions related to his homosexuality.[184]

In an interview with the Turkish journalist Canan Danyıldız, one of the famous Turkish football managers, Yılmaz Vural, was asked about the presence of LGBT people in Turkish football. He said that although he has never witnessed any homosexual interaction in the locker rooms, he knows that there exist gay football players in the Turkish League. He added that he does not believe homosexuality inhibits the talents of the players and that everyone should be free to live their personal lives the way that they want to. He finalized his words by saying that gay Turkish football players can never come out of the closet since everyone knows about the case of the former referee Dinçdağ.[185]

Another important interview about LGBT people in Turkish Football was held between the journalist Elif Korap and the famous former football player and present football commentator Rıdvan Dilmen. When he was asked whether or not he knew of any gay Turkish football players, his answer was straightforward: "Of course, as there are in any other profession." Dilmen criticized other people in the Turkish football industry for not admitting the presence of LGBT people, since they are afraid of being considered as homosexual as well. Although Dilmen said that he does not approve the discrimination against the LGBT people in the Turkish football, on contrary, he argued that he would still disinherit his own kid for being gay once he was reminded about a negative comment he made during an interview in 1989.[186]

In 2021, was reported that Galatasaray S.K. midfielder Taylan Antalyalı received homophobic abuse on Twitter for wearing a pride-themed T-shirt.[187]

United States and Canada

[edit]

Former MLS player David Testo, having been released by Montreal Impact the previous month, affirmed he was gay in an interview on the French Canadian division of Radio Canada that was published on 10 November 2011.[188]

On 15 February 2013, midfielder Robbie Rogers, who had been released by Leeds United a few weeks earlier, came out after announcing his retirement from professional football.[189] Rogers later stated that being openly gay was "impossible" in the sport.[190] He has since returned to football, signing a "multi-year" contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy.[191] Rogers stated in December 2013 that he had not received any contact from other, secretly, gay players.[192]

In October 2020, San Diego Loyal FC player Collin Martin, who is openly gay, accused a Phoenix Rising FC opposition player of homophobic abuse in a match.[193] San Diego Loyal walked off in protest, forfeiting the game.[194] A few days later Phoenix Rising player Junior Flemmings received a six-match ban for the incident,[195] and was placed by Phoenix Rising officials on administrative leave for the remainder of his contract term, which concludes on 30 November 2020.[196] Flemmings has denied making the alleged comments.[197]

Several female players have come out as LGBT as well. Megan Rapinoe, Abby Wambach, and Ali Krieger are notable examples.[198]

List of LGBT footballers

[edit]
See also: Category:LGBTQ association football players

Male

[edit]
Name Nationality Career Date of coming out Notes & references
Justin Fashanu  England 1978–1997 1990 [34]
Thomas Berling  Norway 1999–2001 2001 [199]
Marcus Urban  Germany 1990–1991 2007 [200]
Olivier Rouyer  France 1973–1990 2008 [101]
Messi  Brazil 2009–2019 2010 [201]
Anton Hysén  Sweden 2008– 2011 [181]
David Testo  United States 2003–2011 2011 [188]
Robbie Rogers  United States 2005–2017 2013 [189]
Thomas Hitzlsperger  Germany 2001–2013 2014 [132]
Liam Davis  England 2009– 2014 [202]
Phuti Lekoloane  South Africa 2010– 2015 [203]
Collin Martin  United States 2013– 2018 [204]
Matt Pacifici  United States 2016 2019 [205]
Andy Brennan  Australia 2010– 2019 [9][206]
Richard Kone  Ivory Coast 2019– 2019 [207]
Thomas Beattie  England 2008–2015 2020 [51]
Stephen Laybutt  Australia 1995–2010 2020 [208]
Josh Cavallo  Australia 2017– 2021 [11]
Jake Daniels  England 2022– 2022 [57]
Richarlyson  Brazil 2002–2021 2022 [17]
Emerson Ferretti  Brazil 1991–2007 2022 [209]
Zander Murray  Scotland 2009–2024 2022 [210]
Jakub Jankto  Czech Republic 2015– 2023 First male footballer to come out while an active international player.[30]

Female

[edit]
Main article: List of LGBT women's association footballers

Non-binary

[edit]
Name Nationality Career Notes & References
Jaiyah Saelua  American Samoa 2004– American Samoa national football team player. Identifies as faʻafafine, a third gender in Polynesian society.[211]
Quinn  Canada 2013– Canada women's national soccer team player.[212]
Grace Wilson  Australia 2017– Australia women's national under-20 soccer team player.[213]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Lesbian visibility at Women's World Cup has impact far off the field". NBC News. 5 July 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  2. ^ Barnes, Simon (6 October 2006). "Football destined to remain the last bastion of homophobia – that's the straight, naked truth". The Times. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  3. ^ Matt Williams (10 November 2005). "Is homophobia in football still a taboo?". BBC News. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  4. ^ Colin Crummy (28 February 2013). "The continuing taboo of homosexuality in football". When Saturday Comes. Archived from the original on 6 March 2013. Retrieved 8 March 2013.
  5. ^ "John Amaechi: Football 'toxic' for gay people and minorities". BBC Sport. 8 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  6. ^ "Clarke Carlisle wants more education to combat homophobia". BBC Sport. 13 February 2014. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
  7. ^ Howell, Alex (26 June 2022). "Homophobia large portion of online abuse aimed at footballers and basketballers – study". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  8. ^ "'Historic' - the World Cup's first out trans player". BBC Sport.
  9. ^ a b Holden, Steve (19 August 2019). "Coming out in football has only felt amazing". Newsbeat. BBC News.
  10. ^ "Adelaide United supports Josh's Truth". Adelaide United. 27 October 2021.
  11. ^ a b "A-League player Cavallo comes out as gay". BBC Sport.
  12. ^ "How Kerr's partner helped her through 'lowest point'". wwos.nine.com.au. 17 March 2019.
  13. ^ "Get out and stay out: Michelle Heyman". SBS. 10 August 2016. Archived from the original on 11 August 2017. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  14. ^ "Matildas Star Tameka Butt Announces Engagement To Klepp Teammate Kirsty Yallop". SBS. 27 December 2017. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  15. ^ Press, Associated (13 March 2024). "Austria coach Ralf Rangnick drops three players for homophobic chanting". The Guardian.
  16. ^ Gary Duffy (4 August 2007). "Brazil judge in gay football row". BBC News. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  17. ^ a b "Pelo direito de ser quem é: Richarlyson declara bissexualidade em podcast inédito sobre homofobia no futebol" [For the right to be who he is: Richarlyson declares bisexuality in an unprecedented podcast about homophobia in football] (in Portuguese). Globo Esporte. 24 June 2022. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  18. ^ "Palmeira de Goianinha derruba preconceito e tem goleiro homossexual". Tribuna do Norte (in Portuguese). 13 September 2010. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  19. ^ Maybin, Simon; Baker, David (3 January 2019). "The Brazilian footballer who never was". BBC News.
  20. ^ "Why nobody in Brazil wears No.24 shirt?". NSS Sports.
  21. ^ ""Ôôôô... Bicha!". Grito homofóbico passa ileso nos estádios do Brasileirão". R7 Esportes (in Portuguese). 15 August 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  22. ^ "revistaquem.globo.com/". Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  23. ^ "brasil.elpais.com/brasil". Archived from the original on 24 June 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  24. ^ "Ex-goleiro de Grêmio e Flamengo, Emerson Ferretti é eleito presidente do Bahia". UOL Esporte (in Portuguese). 3 December 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  25. ^ "Quem é Polidoro Junior, jogador affair de Pabllo Vittar". CNN Brasil (in Portuguese). 22 April 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  26. ^ "FA acts to defend referee Riley". 1 April 2006. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  27. ^ "Levski Sofia to appeal against Bardon red card". Soccernet. ESPN Sports Media. Reuters. 31 March 2006.
  28. ^ "The life of Riley... red cards and all". Gulf Weekly. Al Hilal Publishing & Marketing Group. 20 August 2008. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  29. ^ "COMING OUT". YouTube. 21 October 2019. Retrieved 13 February 2023.
  30. ^ a b "Czech midfielder Jankto comes out as gay". BBC Sport.
  31. ^ "Coming out means I can play without hiding - Jankto". BBC Sport.
  32. ^ "Manchester United's Anders Lindegaard says game needs 'gay hero'". The Guardian. 27 November 2012. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  33. ^ "Football needs gay hero, says Manchester United goalkeeper". BreakingNews,ie. Landmark Digital. 28 November 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
  34. ^ a b c d e Tony Cascarino (28 April 2003). "Is it time to open the closet?". The Times. Archived from the original on 9 December 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  35. ^ "£1m Football Star: I AM GAY". The Sun. 22 October 1990.
  36. ^ "Soccer star in gay romp". Herald Sun. 23 October 1990.
  37. ^ "John Fashanu: My Gay Brother is an outcast". The Voice. 30 October 1990.
  38. ^ "'My Brother Wasn't Gay". HuffPost UK. 16 March 2012. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  39. ^ Stroude, Will (22 October 2020). "How homophobia claimed the life and career of Justin Fashanu, the world's first openly gay footballer". Attitude. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  40. ^ John Marshall (July 1991). "Justin Fashanu: Soccer's enigmatic gay star". Gay Times.
  41. ^ Vicky Powell (June 1998). "Suicide note increases speculation over death of Justin Fashanu". Gay Times.
  42. ^ "The IoS Pink List 2010". The Independent. 1 August 2010.
  43. ^ "'I don't see a Premier League player coming out any time soon' - Ex-Leeds director Haigh | Goal.com". www.goal.com.
  44. ^ Kelleher, Patrick (22 June 2020). "One of the only gay football bosses in history says rampant homophobia means a player won't be coming out anytime soon". PinkNews. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
  45. ^ "BBC Local Radio – The LGBT Sport Podcast, The One with David Haigh". BBC. 3 April 2019.
  46. ^ Jackman, Josh (26 October 2017). "20 players have told me they're gay, says top football boss". PinkNews.
  47. ^ Andersson, Jasmine (15 November 2017). "How are we going to effectively tackle homophobia in football?". PinkNews.
  48. ^ Alistair Magowan (10 February 2014). "Casey Stoney: England captain reveals her sexuality for first time". BBC News. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  49. ^ "Gainsborough Trinity's Liam Davis comes out". When Saturday Comes. 13 January 2014. Archived from the original on 14 January 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  50. ^ "How I came out: Britain's only openly gay footballer". BBC News. 15 January 2014. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
  51. ^ a b "Thomas Beattie: Football distracted me from accepting I'm gay". Sky Sports.
  52. ^ "'I wanted to turn my pain into purpose'". BBC Sport.
  53. ^ "Ryan Atkin: Being first openly gay official is 'significant' for football". BBC Sport. 10 August 2017.
  54. ^ "Ryan Atkin: From linesman to champion – first openly gay referee on experiences". BBC Sport. 23 November 2019.
  55. ^ Hunte, Ben (24 July 2019). "'Gay footballer' deletes Twitter account". BBC News.
  56. ^ Baggs, Michael (26 July 2019). "Why fans want a top UK footballer to come out". Newsbeat. BBC News.
  57. ^ a b "Jake Daniels: Blackpool forward becomes UK's first active male professional footballer to come out publicly as gay". Sky Sports. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  58. ^ "Coming out as gay a relief – Blackpool's Daniels". BBC Sport.
  59. ^ "Why Daniels coming out is a watershed moment". BBC Sport.
  60. ^ "Thomas Hitzlsperger: Openly gay top-flight player some way off". BBC Sport. 9 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  61. ^ "John Ruddy: Norwich goalkeeper says gay players would be backed". BBC Sport. 10 January 2014. Retrieved 10 January 2014.
  62. ^ "Richarlison and Lucas Digne: Everton duo insist out gay team-mate would be accepted". Sky Sports.
  63. ^ "Unnamed Premier League footballer reveals he is gay in letter but says he can't go public". Sky News.
  64. ^ "Southampton FC fan banned over homophobic chant". BBC News. 2 December 2011. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
  65. ^ "Bristol Rovers: Football Association imposes homophobic chants fine". BBC Sport. 19 December 2019.
  66. ^ "Brighton v Wolves: Two arrests for homophobic abuse during Premier League match". BBC Sport. 9 December 2019.
  67. ^ "West Ham fans arrested over gestures towards Brighton supporters". The Argus. 3 February 2020. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
  68. ^ "Forest to investigate alleged homophobic chanting". BBC Sport.
  69. ^ "Rashford shines as Man Utd beat Everton in FA Cup". BBC Sport.
  70. ^ "FA investigates alleged homophobic chants at Man City". BBC Sport.
  71. ^ "Arrests made over alleged homophobic Anfield chants". BBC Sport.
  72. ^ "FA can charge clubs over homophobic Chelsea chant". BBC Sport.
  73. ^ "Chelsea welcome CPS ruling on chant". BBC Sport.
  74. ^ "Leeds fined £150,000 after homophobic chanting". BBC Sport.
  75. ^ "Three arrests after homophobic chants at Wolves". BBC Sport.
  76. ^ "Fulham fan gets three-year ban for homophobic chant". BBC Sport.
  77. ^ "Wolves fined £100,000 for fans' homophobic chants". BBC Sport.
  78. ^ "Offensive chants not 'banter' - Man Utd fan group". BBC Sport.
  79. ^ "Pair guilty of homophobic chants at footballer Sol Campbell". The Guardian. 15 May 2009. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  80. ^ "Tranmere v Wycombe: Fan arrested after Ryan Allsop reports homophobic abuse". BBC Sport. 18 November 2019.
  81. ^ "Liverpool condemn homophobic chanting". BBC Sport.
  82. ^ "Leeds says homophobic chant 'unacceptable'". BBC Sport.
  83. ^ "Malky Mackay, Iain Moody escape FA action for 'racist, sexist and homophobic' texts". Eurosport UK. 16 July 2015. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  84. ^ David Ornstein (21 August 2014). "Malky Mackay text claims: Iain Moody leaves Crystal Palace". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 August 2014.
  85. ^ "Malky Mackay: Ex-Cardiff boss sorry for two 'disrespectful' texts". BBC Sport. 21 August 2014. Retrieved 22 August 2014.
  86. ^ "Malky Mackay: LMA apologises for statement over text 'banter'". BBC Sport. 22 August 2014. Retrieved 22 August 2014.
  87. ^ "Malky Mackay texts: Cardiff want LMA chief Richard Bevan to resign". BBC Sport. 22 August 2014. Retrieved 22 August 2014.
  88. ^ "Malky Mackay: 'I'm not racist nor sexist'". BBC Sport. 22 August 2014. Retrieved 22 August 2014.
  89. ^ "Colin Kazim-Richards guilty over homophobic gesture". BBC News. 9 April 2014. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
  90. ^ "Walsall's Monthe banned for seven games". BBC Sport.
  91. ^ "Football is homophobic – Holloway". BBC Sport.
  92. ^ "GFSN – Gay Football Supporters Network". GFSN. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  93. ^ Mark Gould (21 October 2008). "Homophobia in football faces red card". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  94. ^ Riach, James. "FA red-faced over 'detestable' gay slur by equality board member". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
  95. ^ "Football 'failing on homophobia'". BBC News. 12 August 2009. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  96. ^ Alistair Magowan (5 February 2014). "Man Utd and Chelsea back 'Football v Homophobia' campaign". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  97. ^ Sampy, Rochelle (2 December 2013). "Leeds United promotes gay equality through Stonewall's diversity programme". PinkNews.
  98. ^ "ROBBIE PARTNERS WITH CLUB FOR BEYOND IT". www.leedsunited.com. 19 December 2013.
  99. ^ "I stayed quiet but that ends today - Ramsdale". BBC Sport.
  100. ^ "Olivier Rouyer, commentateur sportif et ex-footballeur, fait son coming-out" [Olivier Rouyer, sports commentator and ex-footballer, comes out] (in French). Têtu. 19 February 2008. Archived from the original on 1 June 2009. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  101. ^ a b Gillon, Doug (18 February 2012). "Discrimination of any kind in sport must be stamped out". The Herald. Herald & Times Group. Retrieved 15 April 2012.
  102. ^ "Parrain – Marraine" [Godfather – Godmother]. Paris Foot Gay. Archived from the original on 6 March 2012.
  103. ^ "Signataires". Paris Foot Gay. Archived from the original on 30 August 2010. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
  104. ^ "Le Créteil Bébel exclu après son refus de jouer le Paris Foot Gay" [Créteil Bébel excluded after refusal to play Paris Foot Gay]. Le Monde (in French). AFP. 14 October 2009. ISSN 1950-6244. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
  105. ^ "Ouissem Belgacem : pour que la honte change de camp". Haute-Garonne (in French). Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  106. ^ "French amateur club refuses to sign gay player – report". Goal.com. 8 September 2010. Archived from the original on 31 January 2019. Retrieved 30 January 2019.
  107. ^ "Patrice Evra denies Paris St-Germain's 'homophobic insults' claim". BBC Sport. 20 March 2019.
  108. ^ "AS Nancy-Le Mans game halted by referee because of homophobic chants". BBC Sport. 17 August 2019.
  109. ^ "Homophobic chants halt Ligue 1 game between Nice and Marseille". BBC Sport. 29 August 2019.
  110. ^ O'Callaghan, Rory (16 May 2022). "Idrissa Gana Gueye 'Missed PSG's Win At Montpellier After Refusing To Wear Rainbow Flag On Kit'". SPORTbible. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  111. ^ "PSG: Gueye a bien boycotté le match à Montpellier en raison du maillot contre l'homophobie" [PSG: Gueye indeed boycotted the match against Montpellier due to the shirt against homophobia]. RMC Sport (in French). 15 May 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  112. ^ "Gueye refused to wear PSG shirt with rainbow symbol". BBC Sport.
  113. ^ "L'absence d'Idrissa Gueye contre Montpellier fait parler" [The absence of Idrissa Gueye against Montpellier is making people talk]. L'Équipe (in French). 14 May 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  114. ^ "Rouge Direct, association contre l'homophobie, interpelle Idrissa Gueye (PSG)" [Rouge Direct, association against homophobia, challenges Idrissa Gueye (PSG)]. L'Équipe (in French). 16 May 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  115. ^ "French politician calls on Idrissa Gueye to be sanctioned for refusal to wear rainbow shirt". Get French Football News. 16 May 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  116. ^ "Senegal's president supports Gueye after homophobia accusations". Yahoo! Sports. 17 May 2022. Archived from the original on 17 May 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  117. ^ "A former French international referee comes out after controversy". The Indian Paper. 20 May 2022. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  118. ^ "Toulouse players left out in anti-homophobia 'disagreement'". BBC Sport.
  119. ^ "Minister wants sanctions in anti-homophobia row". BBC Sport.
  120. ^ "Mohamed Camara: Malian criticised for covering anti-homophobia logos". BBC Sport. 21 May 2024.
  121. ^ "Mohamed Camara: Monaco midfielder handed four-game ban for covering anti-homophobia logos". BBC Sport. 31 May 2024.
  122. ^ "8 arrests at Georgia demo over soccer player's gay rights armband". NBC News. November 2017. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
  123. ^ Andreas Backer (18 September 2016). "Heinz Bonn, Homosexueller HSV-Profi vor 25 Jahren ermordet" [Heinz Bonn, homosexual HSV professional murdered 25 years ago] (in German). NDR Television. Archived from the original (Article and programme (28:40 min)) on 1 August 2017. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  124. ^ "Wir sing ein offizieller Fanclub vom Hamburger Sport Verein (HSV)!". Volksparkjunxx (in German). 9 July 2012. Archived from the original on 21 September 2012. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  125. ^ Blaschke, Ronny (2008) Versteckspieler: Die Geschichte des schwulen Fußballers Marcus Urban, Göttingen: Verlag Die Werkstatt
  126. ^ Roland Kirbach (21 June 2007). "Schwulsein heute – ganz normal?" [Being gay today – normal?]. Zeit Online (in German). Die Zeit. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  127. ^ DOSB Expertinnen-Datenbank[dead link] Retrieved 16 July 2017
  128. ^ "Homophobie ist im Sport noch stark ausgeprägt" [Homophobia is still very strong in sports]. Deutscher Bundestag (in German). 2011. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  129. ^ "Germany's Gay Soccer Players Stuck Firmly in the Closet". DW.com. Deutsche Welle. 17 January 2007.
  130. ^ "Outrage At Former German Footballer Rudi Assauer's Controversial Anti-Gay Slur". GOAL. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  131. ^ "German football boss says gay players should find another job". PinkNews. 12 March 2010. Retrieved 8 August 2010.
  132. ^ a b "Thomas Hitzlsperger: Former Aston Villa player reveals he is gay". BBC Sport. 8 January 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  133. ^ Joyce, Paul (16 January 2014). "Hitzlsperger removes aura of gay players in Germany". When Saturday Comes. Archived from the original on 17 January 2014. Retrieved 16 January 2014.
  134. ^ Smith, Jonathan (13 September 2014). "Thomas Hitzlsperger: Football is tackling homophobia". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 September 2014.
  135. ^ "Manuel Neuer: UEFA drops review of rainbow armband worn by Germany captain at Euro 2020 during Pride Month". Sky Sports. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  136. ^ Wessner, Martin (1 February 2004). "Neuer Wein für neue Schläuche!". I-com. 3 (2/2004): 4. doi:10.1524/icom.3.2.4.38342. ISSN 1618-162X. S2CID 35953955.
  137. ^ Rumsby, Ben (9 October 2024). "German footballer tells fan: 'I won't sign that gay s---'" – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  138. ^ "Soccer-UEFA sent report on homophobic banner at Budapest Euro match". Reuters. 16 June 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  139. ^ "Euro 2020: UEFA probes discrimination at matches in Budapest". The Indian Express. 20 June 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  140. ^ "'The women's game is very accepting' – Ireland skipper Katie McCabe publicly confirms relationship with teammate". independent. 4 June 2019. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  141. ^ "Fifa probes Mexico 'homophobic chants'". BBC Sport.
  142. ^ "Soccer authorities plan measures to stop fans chanting 'Eh puto'". 21 September 2019.
  143. ^ "FIFA investiga a hinchas mexicanos por conducta inapropiada en el Mundial".
  144. ^ "¡Histórico! Grito homofóbico detiene el primer partido de Liguilla". Fox Sports (Mexico). Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  145. ^ "With Mexico in Concacaf Nations League, soccer again confronts homophobic slur at matches". The Washington Post. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
  146. ^ "Mexico to play two World Cup qualifiers without fans due to use of homophobic chant". Los Angeles Times. 18 June 2021.
  147. ^ "Four players sent off in USA's win against Mexico". BBC Sport.
  148. ^ John de Bever – FIFA competition record (archived)
  149. ^ "Uit de kast zonder roze handtasje" [Out of the cupboard without a pink handbag]. De Ondernemer (in Dutch). de Persgroep Nederland. Archived from the original on 28 July 2012.
  150. ^ "Homohetsen fikk Thomas til å legge opp" [The homophobia made Thomas quit]. Dagbladet (in Norwegian). 28 April 2001. Archived from the original on 6 June 2009. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  151. ^ Kvamme, Sigve (20 July 2005). "Folk må følge bedre med" [People have to keep up with it]. Dagbladet (in Norwegian). Retrieved 13 August 2009.
  152. ^ "Baerum's Simen Juklerod sent off for derogatory use of 'gay'". BBC Sport. 9 June 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  153. ^ Lübeck, Endre (19 October 2016). "Stabæk med verdens første fotball-pride: -Noen kamper er viktigere enn andre" [Stabæk with the world's first football pride: – Some matches are more important than others]. Dagbladet.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  154. ^ "LGBT football fans told to be respectful at Qatar World Cup". BBC News. 26 October 2022.
  155. ^ "Pride organisations call for World Cup bar boycott". BBC Sport.
  156. ^ "Qatar World Cup: 'Football is leaving behind its LGBT fans'". BBC News. 18 November 2022.
  157. ^ "Henderson's Saudi move has 'tarnished reputation'". BBC Sport.
  158. ^ English, Tom (2 May 2019). "Leeann Dempster: Hibs chief executive says Scottish game 'ready for gay player'". BBC Sport.
  159. ^ "Partick Thistle to wear LGBT rainbow on away shirt". BBC Sport. 18 June 2019.
  160. ^ Ali, Aftab (19 June 2019). "Praise for Partick Thistle as it launches away kit with LGBT+ flag colours". Evening Times.
  161. ^ McLean, David (18 June 2019). "Partick Thistle launches "inclusive" new away top featuring LGBT rainbow stripe". The Scotsman. JPI Media.
  162. ^ Welton, Blake (18 June 2019). "Partick Thistle launch LGBT away shirts for 2019/20 season". Sky Sports.
  163. ^ "Craig Napier: Scottish category one referee comes out as gay in bid to 'change climate' in football". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  164. ^ "Scottish referees Napier & Wilson come out as gay". BBC Sport.
  165. ^ "Murray becomes first openly gay Scottish player". BBC Sport.
  166. ^ "Footballer Murray 'blown away' by support after coming out as gay". BBC News. 20 September 2022.
  167. ^ "Zander Murray: First openly gay male Scottish footballer to retire". 27 December 2023 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  168. ^ Annie Kelly (12 March 2009). "Raped and killed for being a lesbian: South Africa ignores 'corrective' attacks". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  169. ^ "The footballer raped and murdered for being a lesbian". BBC Sport.
  170. ^ "Being openly gay has held my career back". BBC News. 10 February 2019.
  171. ^ Warren, Patricia Nell (30 November 2006). The lavender locker room: 3000 years of great athletes whose sexual orientation was different. Wildcat Press. ISBN 978-1-889135-07-6.
  172. ^ a b Giles Tremlett (28 February 2009). "Gay group tackles football homophobia". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  173. ^ D'Arcangelo, Lyndsey (2 March 2012). "The Two of Us: Nikki and Laura". Curve. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  174. ^ ""A Lorca le gustaba el fútbol, y el equipo de sus amores era el Atleti de Madrid"". Ideal. 14 April 2019.
  175. ^ Oliveira, Joana (16 September 2016). "Spain's only openly gay referee under protection due to death threats". El País. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  176. ^ "Iker Casillas: Former Real Madrid goalkeeper deletes Twitter post announcing he is gay". Sky Sports.
  177. ^ "Casillas deletes 'I'm gay' tweet saying he was hacked". BBC Sport.
  178. ^ "Why Casillas' 'I'm gay' tweet was no laughing matter". BBC Sport.
  179. ^ Clark, Gill (29 March 2022). "Carles Puyol gives Barcelona Femeni motivational speech before UWCL Clasico". Barca Blaugranes. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  180. ^ Collings, Simon (10 October 2022). "Bronze: Casillas and Puyol 'jokes' prove need for LGBTQ+ education". Evening Standard. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  181. ^ a b "Swedish football player Hysen comes out as gay, making headlines in the country". Associated Press. 9 March 2011. Archived from the original on 12 March 2011. Retrieved 9 March 2011 – via Google News.
  182. ^ Hefner, Robert W. Remaking Muslim politics: Pluralism, contestation, democratization. Robert W Hefner. Princeton University Press, 2009
  183. ^ "Turkish Football Federation fined for sacking gay referee". BBC News. 29 December 2015.
  184. ^ Nicholas Birch (25 June 2009). "Gay referee gets red card in Turkey". The Independent.
  185. ^ "Gay futbolcular var, ama ayrı muamele yapmam!" ["There are gay footballers, but I don't treat them separately!"]. Posta (in Turkish). 19 January 2014.
  186. ^ "MİLLİYET İNTERNET – PAZAR". Milliyet. 11 November 2014. Archived from the original on 11 November 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  187. ^ English, Duvar (28 June 2021). "Turkish footballer Taylan Antalyalı becomes target of homophobes for wearing Pride t-shirt". www.duvarenglish.com.
  188. ^ a b "David Testo affirme son homosexualité" [David Testo states his homosexuality]. Radio Canada (in French). Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 10 November 2011. Retrieved 10 November 2011.
  189. ^ a b "Robbie Rogers: Ex-Leeds United and USA winger reveals he is gay". BBC Sport. 15 February 2013.
  190. ^ "Robbie Rogers says coming out in football is 'impossible'". BBC Sport. 29 March 2013.
  191. ^ "Robbie Rogers: LA Galaxy sign former Leeds United winger". BBC Sport. 25 May 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
  192. ^ "Robbie Rogers says no gay players have contacted him". BBC Sport. 19 December 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
  193. ^ Hudson, Molly. "'We won't stand for bigotry' – Landon Donovan's San Diego Loyals walk off pitch after gay player Collin Martin is subjected to alleged homophobic abuse". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  194. ^ "US team walks off after 'homophobic slur'". BBC Sport.
  195. ^ "USL Championship Suspends Junior Flemmings for Use of Foul and Abusive Language". USL Championship. 6 October 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  196. ^ "Rising Statement on Findings of USL Investigation". Phoenix Rising FC. 6 October 2020. Archived from the original on 9 October 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
  197. ^ "Junior Flemmings: Phoenix Rising midfielder gets six-game ban for homophobic slur". BBC Sport. 6 October 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  198. ^ "Lesbian visibility at Women's World Cup has impact far off the field". NBC News. 5 July 2019.
  199. ^ "Thomas (41) resigned after appearing as gay. Now he thinks..." alKhaleej Today. 27 October 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  200. ^ Ehrlich, Betting; Schirmer, Lisa (12 May 2017) Fußball-Star Marcus Urban im Thüringen Talk Schluss mit den Versteckspielen Archived 29 June 2017 at the Wayback Machine on Antenne Thüringen website. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  201. ^ "Goleiro assume homossexualidade e enfrenta preconceito no interior do RN". GloboEsporte (in Portuguese). 8 October 2010. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  202. ^ "Semi-professional UK footballer Liam Davis comes out as gay". PinkNews. 14 January 2014. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
  203. ^ DeBarros, Luiz (22 July 2016). "This is Phuti Lekoloane – South Africa's first openly gay male footballer". Mamba Online. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  204. ^ Gleeson, Scott (29 June 2018). "Collin Martin, Minnesota United soccer player, comes out publicly as gay". USA Today. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
  205. ^ Zeigler, Cyd (20 January 2019). "Former MLS player Matt Pacifici comes out as gay by introducing his boyfriend to the world". Outsports.
  206. ^ Davutovic, David (14 May 2019). "Former Newcastle Jets player becomes first Australian male soccer player to come out as gay". Herald Sun. Retrieved 14 May 2019. (subscription required)
  207. ^ Holmes, Jon (6 January 2024). "Footballer who said he was gay signs for pro club Wycombe". Outsports. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  208. ^ Webster, Andrew (10 December 2021). "'I want to give you a kidney': The gay Socceroo whose text message saved a life". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  209. ^ de Assis, Joanna (19 August 2022). ""É possível ser gay, ídolo e ganhar títulos", diz ex-goleiro Emerson". Globo Esporte. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  210. ^ "Zander Murray: Gala Fairydean Rovers striker was living in fear but weight is off his shoulders after coming out as gay". Sky Sports. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  211. ^ "Football's first fa'afafine: Trans rights trailblazer Jaiyah Saelua on stardom and sisterhood". TheGuardian.com. 31 July 2020. Archived from the original on 2 August 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2021.
  212. ^ McElwee, Molly (9 September 2020). "Canada international Quinn comes out as transgender". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  213. ^ Hytner, Mike (1 March 2024). "Young Matildas player Grace Wilson becomes first professional Australian footballer to come out as non-binary". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 13 March 2024.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Beasley, Neil (2016) Football's Coming Out: Life as a Gay Fan and Player [London]: Floodlit Dreams ISBN 978-0992658564
  • Magrath, Rory (2016) Inclusive Masculinities in Contemporary Football: Men in the Beautiful Game, Abingdon: Routledge ISBN 978-1138653610
  • Rogers, Robbie; Marcus, Eric (2014) Coming Out to Play, London: The Robson Press ISBN 978-1849547208

In German

[edit]
  • Blaschke, Ronny (2008) Versteckspieler: Die Geschichte des schwulen Fußballers Marcus Urban, Göttingen: Verlag Die Werkstatt ISBN 978-3895336119
  • Endemann, Martin (ed.), et al. (2015) Zurück am Tatort Stadion: Diskriminierung und Antidiskriminierung in Fußball-Fankulturen, Göttingen: Verlag Die Werkstatt ISBN 978-3730701317
  • Kosmann, Marianne (ed.) (2011) Fußball und der die das Andere: Ergebnisse aus einem Lehrforschungsprojekt, Freiburg: Centaurus Verlag & Media UG ISBN 978-3862260508
  • Leibfried, Dirk; Erb, Andreas (2011) Das Schweigen der Männer: Homosexualität im deutschen Fußball, Göttingen: Verlag Die Werkstatt ISBN 978-3895338151
  • Rohlwing, Christoph (2015) Homosexualität im deutschen Profifußball: Schwulenfreie Zone Fußballplatz?, Baden-Baden: Tectum-Verlag ISBN 978-3828835962
  • Walther-Ahrens, Tanja (2011) Seitenwechsel: Coming-Out im Fußball, Gütersloh: Gütersloher Verlagshaus ISBN 978-3579066998
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Homosexuality_in_association_football&oldid=1253384072"