Member Article

‘Coming out’, whether as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, absolutely still matters. With changing societal attitudes and the recent courageous public announcements of two professional footballers, it is hoped that it is getting easier.

Nonetheless, workplace statistics still show that LGBTQ+ employees do not openly voice their sexuality and/or gender identity at work through fear of discrimination and harassment. Similarly, it is disappointing to note that people often joke and/or make fun of ‘coming out’, as we have recently seen in the football context from Iker Casillas and Carles Puyol, when Casillas apparently ‘came out’ via Twitter before tweeting that his account had been ‘hacked’, and Puyol replying “It’s time to tell our story Iker ♥”. Both tweets were quickly deleted, leading many to presume that the whole thing was a joke. Josh Cavello commented that the tweets were “disappointing” and noting that coming out in the world of professional football – or anywhere – is difficult enough without people making jokes about it. The actions of these two extremely high-profile footballers, who are role models in themselves, has been considered by many as a blow to LGBTQ+ representation in sports and a frustrating example of the damage that misguided and thoughtless comments or ‘jokes’ can create.

This is particularly so following the Scottish footballer, Zander Murray, recently coming out publicly, which had gained much support and inspired so many. Fraser Wishart, the chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association Scotland, paid tribute to Murray’s bravery in coming out and said he was sure that there were other gay footballers who were also thinking about coming out as a result. Wishart said “For me football has unfairly been tarred with a negativity around LGBTQ+ issues and I think the game has been ready for this for quite some time. If it leads to others having the strength and finding a safe space to do the same then I think it can only be a positive change”. Despite Casillas’ and Puyol’s disappointing episode, it is hoped that the recent bravery of Cavello and Murray will continue to make others within the LGBTQ+ community – and specifically those playing professional sports – feel empowered to express their true identity and be their authentic selves, whether at work or otherwise.

National Coming Out Day therefore comes at a critical time. This is an annual LGBTQ+ awareness day, supporting members of the community “coming out of the closet”; when an LGBTQ+ person has decided to publicly share their gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

The day was first celebrated in the USA in 1988. The fundamental belief behind the movement is that homophobia thrives in an atmosphere of silence and ignorance and that once people know that they have loved ones who are LGBTQ+, they are far less likely to maintain homophobic or oppressive views.

Whilst unfortunately not everyone can safely come out, many people do use National Coming Out Day to share their own personal coming out stories, to support those who choose to keep their identities a secret or encourage them to come out themselves.

Showing support and solidarity, whether as an ally or otherwise, with those who have been brave enough to share their truth with work colleagues is an integral part of raising awareness, whether through employee networks or otherwise. The importance of an inclusive and diverse workforce, regardless of sexual orientation, gender orientation or gender identity is of paramount importance to all and should therefore be fostered at all times. It is time for further progress, regardless of someone’s profession.

 

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