What should gay footballers know about coming out? With Zander Murray

A project in Germany called “Sports Free” has suggested gay and
bi professional footballers in the men’s game should consider
coming out as a group.


The date of May 17 - which is IDAHOBIT, the International Day
Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia - has been put
forward as a window of opportunity for this.


But what would go through the mind of a gay player who is
considering taking this step? Does nothing but happiness and
freedom lie on the other side - or is it a different kind of
pressure?


Zander Murray took that step himself, individually, back in
September 2002, making history in Scottish football. 


He now delivers workshops that provide guidance to young people
on how to create inclusive spaces in the game. These sessions
with TIE Scotland are having a big impact in Scotland and Zander
hopes to take this work to more clubs, academies and schools.


On a special episode of the FvH Podcast, he talks about the
challenges he overcame when coming out, and gives his take on the
interest around possible comings out on May 17, including by the
British media.


He also explains why he’s so passionate about education and
describes his “dream” for a future in which footballers
everywhere get the info they need to empathise with any teammates
who might be gay or bi, or to be their authentic selves if they
are LGBTQ+ themselves.


This episode is hosted by FvH media and comms lead Jon Holmes,
produced by Sports Media LGBT+.


Activate FvH in your football space - just head to
footballvhomophobia.com/fvt for info, or contact us! We value
your support.


Links


Follow Zander on social media -
https://linktr.ee/zandermurray 


About the TIE workshops -
https://tie.scot/news/ties-anti-homophobia-football-project-to-feature-in-rylan-clark-documentary/


About the football media interest around May 17 -
https://www.outsports.com/2024/5/13/24093764/gay-footballers-coming-out-group-may-17-sports-free-bundesliga-media-hype/


Thanks for listening - please subscribe, rate, review and share
on socials using the hashtag #FvH2024 and #IDAHOBIT2024. We're at
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