February is LGBT+ History Month.
The ‘history’ part of that sentence is important. As a society, we’ve come so far since the horrific days of illegality, violence and even chemical castrations, but the world of sport – and especially football – continues to lag behind the general acceptance felt in the wider world.
I feel like I’ve discussed the subject of this article so often.
What do we do to stamp out homophobia in football? How do we educate people to respect others regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity? Where are the punishments for well-recognised slurs or horrible chanting?
2014 was the year where professional football began to pay attention. Thanks to Stonewall’s ‘Rainbow Laces’ campaign, in partnership with the Premier League, the nation’s football lovers were made aware of an issue that may not have reached their consciousness previously.
This year, the Rainbow Laces campaign is getting a revamp, replaced with ‘Premier League With Pride’; a slightly more understated campaign that includes LED advertising and “digital artwork”.
The feeling is that ‘Rainbow Laces’ had become stale, with an increasing sense of non-engagement and even resentment from fans and players alike.
However, the stark fact remains that there are no “out” LGBT+ footballers in the professional Men’s game in the UK, with only a very small number in the non-league arena and a smattering of others around Europe.
I’m keen to avoid hyperbole here. We have made decent strides, and for the vast majority of football fans, a player’s sexuality is irrelevant, but when there is a complete absence of representation in the game, it’s clear there is a problem.
“Internal homophobia kept me on the bench”
One such man looking to shift the narrative is Josh Cavallo, who moved from Adelaide United to an opponent Bedford Town will face on 24 February, Peterborough Sports in July 2025.
Cavallo has since moved to AFC Stamford in Real Bedford’s division, but recently spoke out about how he felt “forced out” of Adelaide United due to “internal homophobia”, feeling “sidelined” because of his sexuality.
Read: Pioneering gay footballer Josh Cavallo accuses former club of homophobia (BBC Sport)
Cavallo speaks from personal experience, and is just one example of where bigotry in football is still ripe. It may not be as cutthroat or as blatant as the 20th century, but the experience of LGBT+ footballers remains generally negative.
The Australian, who came out as gay in 2021, claims he was “pushed out of his former club due to internal homophobia”, and angry because, “people thought I was sidelined based on injuries, when in reality, it was internal homophobia that kept me on the bench.”
Proving these claims is impossible – and they are all rejected by Adelaide United – but if a player feels he is sidelined due to bigotry, it’s our job to sit up and take notice.
Yes, it’s Australia and speaking of Australian sport isn’t exactly local, but the issue remains universal. It’s also an issue close to my heart, as I am a gay man operating in the world of non-league football, albeit now in the press box.
From 2006 to 2026
This section of the article includes language that some readers may find offensive.
Twenty years ago, this issue was not on the periphery of public consciousness. It was barely part of my own consciousness.
That being said, the homophobic slurs flying around football changing rooms as a teenager, from sidelines and even from coaches calling their players “fags” were having what would become a long-lasting impact, even without me knowing.
As it turns out, my subconscious could have become affected by what is known as the Social Stress Process Theory.
Originally mapped out as extension to the links between ‘strain’ and an increase in crime, the theory goes on to create distinct links between “negative stimuli” and adverse outcomes including depression, anxiety, difficulty with social relationships, and substance misuse.
In short, your words can hurt us.
We may act like they don’t. We may act as if “sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will never hurt me”, but the truth may be starkly different.
The study noted that experiences of strain (e.g. some form of victimisation), negative emotional states (such as depression and anxiety), or altered social relationships, (i.e. less support from peers), can interact in various ways and result in negative coping strategies.
If only the 15-year old me had understood that.
You will have seen some rainbows in the Premier League’s new ‘Premier League With Pride’ campaign beginning in this round of Premier League fixtures, which began on Friday (6 February) and is due to last for six days.
Remember, the rainbow is a sign of hope for many. You may not be affected by it, but out there in the big wide world, there may be a 15-year old who needs to see it.
So when we think of why there aren’t any “out” professional footballers in the UK in 2026, think of the Social Stress Process Theory. Think of the psychology behind it. Think of the rainbows.
Think of the language people use in stadia, think of the way coaches speak to their players, and think about the way you conduct yourselves as fans and as players, even to your teammates and your opposition.
Because every slur, every shout of “faggot”, every claim that, “this gay stuff is being shoved down our throats” only adds to the stress. And honestly? It’s all completely unnecessary.
As Andy Bell once sang: Give a little respect.
