Gay Footballers...Appreciated or Unwelcome? Research

[Tyrone Biggums]

I'm not quite sure what you're saying here. If I understand correctly, what you're saying is that the reason that many gay sportspeople don't come out is not the reaction from the players or fans but the attendant media circus.

As I have pointed out, all gay sportspeople have said that they've been perfectly happy with that media circus. Of course, it's possible that many gay players have not come out precisely because of that, but that is what Karl Popper called an unfalsifiable statement, ie one that can't be proved true or false.

We all know that there are gay footballers, rugby players, cricketers etc out there but I have not seen any interviews or any evidence from the non-out ones as to their reasons for not coming out. However, all the facts so far suggest the attendant publicity is not one of the issues.

Of course, what TB said could well be true but the fact that many have not come out doesn't "prove his point" at all - we literally do not and cannot know.

The bolded part is important as it doesn't represent all gay sports people, just those who have made it publicly known.

There may be many other gay athletes who are known to be gay by their families and closest friends but not to the greater public.

This means they are technically "out" but don't feel the need to become part of that media circus.

 

[Gwylan]

The bolded part is important as it doesn't represent all gay sports people, just those who have made it publicly known.

There may be many other gay athletes who are known to be gay by their families and closest friends but not to the greater public.

This means they are technically "out" but don't feel the need to become part of that media circus.

There may be but, as I said, that's an unfalsfiable statement.

I'm not saying you're not right but it's something that, by definition, can never be proved one way or another. But, I've never seen any interview with a gay sportsperson, speaking anonymously who has said any such thing. Nor have I ever seen one with an anonymous sports person who has said that he's out to his family but not the general public.

 

[theacademic]

Thanks for all of your contribution to the subject so far.

 

[Frutos]

Why does it matter?

A person's sexuality doesn't have any bearing on their ability to do a job, so I really can't understand why people can't just live and let live and stop acting like it's a big deal.

You wouldn't expect to see a debate in 2010 entitled "Black Footballers...Appreciated Or Unwelcome?", so I think it a rather sad reflection on society that this is still apparently necessary in relation to gay footballers.

 

[Tony Meolas Loan Spell]

The bolded part is important as it doesn't represent all gay sports people, just those who have made it publicly known.

There may be many other gay athletes who are known to be gay by their families and closest friends but not to the greater public.

This means they are technically "out" but don't feel the need to become part of that media circus.

Exactly. From interviews Gareth Thomas said that close family, friends and players knew that he was gay long before he "came out" in the press.

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

Why does it matter?

A person's sexuality doesn't have any bearing on their ability to do a job, so I really can't understand why people can't just live and let live and stop acting like it's a big deal.

You wouldn't expect to see a debate in 2010 entitled "Black Footballers...Appreciated Or Unwelcome?", so I think it a rather sad reflection on society that this is still apparently necessary in relation to gay footballers.

I agree.

If a gay chap is happy with how his life is just leave him be.

He shouldn't be made to somewhat feel guilty because he prefers to keep his sexuality his own private business rather than stand up in front of the media circus and proclaim it..

 

[theacademic]

fair point tyrone biggums. that was certainly one of the major themes coming out of phase 1 of the research.

 

[theacademic]

one last plea to any fan who can spend 2 mins doing a quick online survey for me - GAY FOOTBALLERS ... APPRECIATED OR UNWELCOME?

thanks

 

[Spicy]

I have done it. Doubt if many gays would come out in the macho world of football - the reaction towards them currently would be unacceptable but maybe it takes just one to break the mould.

 

[Barrel of Fun]

Football is far less macho than rugby, but the ice has been broken in rugby via Nigel Owens and Gareth Thomas.

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

I have done it. Doubt if many gays would come out in the macho world of football - the reaction towards them currently would be unacceptable but maybe it takes just one to break the mould.

Did you watch the world cup?

The amount of players who dove around like ballerina's and gymnasts suggests football is far from being a macho sport.

 

[Nappy thrower]

It's about time the authorities tackled this issue or take it more seriously. But it shouldn't just stop there. There should be a clamp down on homophobic chanting and gay remarks on forums.
What would be the point of tackling this issue if you allow fans to express gay remarks on forums? Is it really just banter or abuse?
So where do you draw the line? I mean,you even get gay puns in national papers and from gay celebraties themselves on the box.

 

[theacademic]

Good points well made Nappy thrower and Barrel of Fun - similar views and opinions were expressed by hundreds of fans who took part in phase 1 of the research. Thanks.

 

[El Presidente]

Why does it matter?

A person's sexuality doesn't have any bearing on their ability to do a job

Unless you appear in gay porn movies, I would struggle to get wood if I was in one, unless it was Easy 10 or Beach Hut on the receiving end of course