LGBTQ+ – Football takes a step in the right direction towards a more inclusive pitch

As we step into June, the month to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community (Pride month), what better topic to speak on than the recent progression in UK men’s football.

Jake Daniels has recently become the first UK male footballer to come out as gay since 1990, a huge step for UK men’s football. Ending over 30 years of silence within the sport, Daniels has made the following statement:

“Now is the time to do it…I feel like I am ready to tell people my story. I want people to know the real me.”

The last UK male footballer to come out as openly gay was Justin Fashanu in 1990, making this a huge step in the sports history. The English Football Association have labelled Daniels an ‘inspiration’ to the sport and stated that Daniels bravery is a ‘hugely positive step as we strive to build an inclusive game that we can all be proud of’.

Contrast this with the inclusivity of openly LGBTQ+ players within women’s football – with 40 members of the LGBTQ+ community participating in the 2019 Women’s World Cup alone.

Whilst men’s football has a long way to catch up with their women’s counterparts – Jake’s decision to come out will hopefully encourage other young players to embrace their identities – and push the sport into a more inclusive and welcoming era.

Here at Poole Alcock, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer and workplace where all are welcome and encouraged to create an environment where everybody feels safe and celebrated. We are proud to employ a diverse workforce.

If you feel that we can do more to encourage diversity and inclusion, and tackle discrimination, please let us know!

If you are struggling with any of the issues touched upon in this article, you can find helpful resources using the following links:

https://lgbt.foundation/

https://mindout.org.uk/

https://www.stonewall.org.uk/

LGBTQ+ support at PA.