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Elizabeth Bratton writes about a recent letter that has the power to change English football. On Saturday the 11th of July, an unnamed premier league star revealed that he was gay through a public letter. He described the struggles faced by closeted athletes, explaining that it is not yet safe for him to share his identity. This article also explores the minimal history of LGBT+ footballers in England, offering a better understanding as to why there is such a great stigma around sexuality.
An unnamed premier league footballer has come out in an anonymous letter via the Justin Fashanu Foundation. He recalls his lifelong dream of becoming a professional player, abandoning his studies: a decision which he believes “paid off”, as he entertains tens of thousands of fans on a weekly basis. However, he believes his sexuality “sets [him] apart from most of the other pvlayers in the premier league”. He explains that only his close loved ones are aware of his sexuality, as he does not yet “feel ready” to share it with his manager or teammates, despite spending so much time together. However, he thinks it would be “impossible” to come out to them.
He describes having to live in secrecy as “an absolute nightmare”, as he feels “trapped”, and fears that being open would only worsen his mental state. The star believes that to reveal himself would be “[risking] it all”. Despite being able to afford luxuries such as “a nice car” and “a wardrobe full of designer clothes”, he lacks companionship. However, he declares: “The truth is I just don’t think football is ready yet for a player to come out”, as “radical changes” are yet to be put in place.
The league has reportedly provided players with the option of counselling, should they need assistance when coming out. However, the player concludes: “This is missing the point.” He explains that access to therapy is widely available; what would really be beneficial is “[educating] fans, players, managers, agents, club owners — basically everyone involved in the game”. He recalls frequently hearing homophobic chants from the stands, and though not directed at anyone in particular, he finds himself particularly affected after the game - specifically “on the plane or the coach”. Currently, the pro plans on “playing for as long as [he feels] able to and then come out when [he has] retired”.
The anonymous player has been receiving support from the aforementioned Justin Fashanu Foundation. Justin Fashanu was England’s first openly gay football player, playing for teams such as Manchester City and West Ham United, however he took his own life in 1998, after being accused of sexual assault by a 17-year-old boy. In his suicide note, he professed his innocence, and was adamant that his sexuality would prevent him from getting a fair trial. The charity is currently run by Fashanau’s niece, who notes that there are currently no openly gay or bisexual male professional footballers in this country. She also believes that the recent letter was “a significant moment and a positive step forward”.
Midway through June of this year, Watford striker Troy Deeney expressed his belief that “there is probably one gay or bi person in every football team”. The premier league star believes players are afraid to come out, as they would have to face the responsibility of being the first to do so. However, he also thinks that one player’s bravery could trigger a domino effect, as many others would follow. In fact, he estimated that “at least 100” others would come out if just one player were to do so. He went on to acknowledge the “heavy load” that must be carried around by athletes throughout their career, as many only reveal their identity in retirement. LGBT Stonewall charity was enthusiastic to collaborate with Deeney, in order to create a “more accepting” setting for players. Robbie de Santos, Stonewall Director of Sport, also reminded the public: “It's important that we all avoid speculating about players' sexual orientation, as this can spark a frenzy of people trying to guess who these players might be.”
Later that month, 33-year old Thomas Beattie came out as gay, making him the second male footballer in the country to do so. Beattie used to play for Hull City’s youth squad, although has since represented teams in the US, Canada, and Singapore. Of all the male footballers who have played in Britain at some point in their career, Beattie is only the fourth to come out. After making the announcement, he concluded in an Instagram post: “It’s easier to sit in silence, but the real challenge is to speak up.”
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