Josh Cavallo - Gay

[Fordy62]

Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo has come out as gay. 

So many of you will say that it’s not a big deal. But given he’s the first pro footballer to come out as gay, it is a big deal. 

I see he’s been retweeted by Gerard Pique. I wonder which of our Premier League stars will give their backing too… I fear there won’t be many. 

Well done Josh, massively brave. Fair play. Sad it should be this way. 

https://twitter.com/JoshuaCavallo/status/1453172151914168320?s=20

[Port Said Red]

2 minutes ago, Fordy62 said:

Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo has come out as gay. 

So many of you will say that it’s not a big deal. But given he’s the first pro footballer to come out as gay, it is a big deal. 

I see he’s been retweeted by Gerard Pique. I wonder which of our Premier League stars will give their backing too… I fear there won’t be many. 

Well done Josh, massively brave. Fair play. Sad it should be this way. 

https://twitter.com/JoshuaCavallo/status/1453172151914168320?s=20

It is, but the idea that he has to "come out" is the saddest thing, it shouldn't matter what his sexuality is in a normal society.

[citymum]

Well done to him. Brave decision which may hopefully encourage others to do the same. The fact that it’s big news shows how far we need to go to get out of the dark ages regarding this. 

[GrahamC]

Totally agree, good for him.

I have no idea whether this would lead to anyone doing so in England, the idea of several players all coming out at once to minimise press intrusion certainly makes some sense, but seeing as we all work alongside gay colleagues or have relatives who are (or both), then it seems odd we are living in a world where that cannot seemingly happen.

Incidentally Somerset cricketer Steven Davies did so a number of years ago & that was dealt with in entirely the way you would hope, to the extent it is never even mentioned nowadays.

[Akira]

7 minutes ago, Fordy62 said:

Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo has come out as gay. 

So many of you will say that it’s not a big deal. But given he’s the first pro footballer to come out as gay, it is a big deal. 

I see he’s been retweeted by Gerard Pique. I wonder which of our Premier League stars will give their backing too… I fear there won’t be many. 

Well done Josh, massively brave. Fair play. Sad it should be this way. 

https://twitter.com/JoshuaCavallo/status/1453172151914168320?s=20

Fair play to him. Its sad in this day and age that this is still big news, but hopefully it's the start of better things to come. 

However I do disagree with one part of your post, I do believe loads of Premier league players will back this and publicise this. Its been all over talksport this morning, so I'd imagine more and more will get on board with it. 

I've seen and noticed football has changed for the better over the last 15 years, it certainly isn't the beast it once was, where this sort of thing would've been met with vitriol and hate. There's always the risk of some drunken idiot showing their true colours, but you could get that anywhere sadly, but you'd like to think they'd be called out for it and thrown out if that's the case. 

Fair play to him and I'm sure others will now follow suit. Someone's sexual preference really shouldn't bother anyone, at all. 

Edited October 27, 2021 by Akira

[Guest]

Really can't see why it matters, I have absolutely no interest in any footballers sexual preference.  

[And Its Smith]

4 minutes ago, LoyalRed said:

Really can't see why it matters, I have absolutely no interest in any footballers sexual preference.  

Good. The way it should be.  

Unfortunately homophobia is still out there and there are plenty of people that don’t see homosexuality as ‘normal’.  The more people in the public eye that are ‘out’ the better. Especially if breaking new ground aka professional football 

 

Edited October 27, 2021 by And Its Smith

[Coxy27]

He isn't the first - there have been a few.

Either way, good on him.

[Monkeh]

49 minutes ago, Fordy62 said:

Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo has come out as gay. 

So many of you will say that it’s not a big deal. But given he’s the first pro footballer to come out as gay, it is a big deal. 

I see he’s been retweeted by Gerard Pique. I wonder which of our Premier League stars will give their backing too… I fear there won’t be many. 

Well done Josh, massively brave. Fair play. Sad it should be this way. 

https://twitter.com/JoshuaCavallo/status/1453172151914168320?s=20

It's a big deal in pro football because its rare,

It really shouldn't be a big deal as someone sexuality is no one business except the individual and their partner,

Sadly that's not the world we live in,

Hopefully this will put a long held taboo to bed and we may see more players come out and hopefully the reaction will be positive but sadly I doubt it, in a age where we still see racist chanting 

[KegCity]

28 minutes ago, LoyalRed said:

Really can't see why it matters, I have absolutely no interest in any footballers sexual preference.  

I agree, but it's important to those players as they can be true to themselves and not have to hide anything/deal with scrutiny around their private lives as to why they aren't married etc. That scrutiny shouldn't be there, but it is. Should hopefully help reduce the casual homophobia in football (and society) as well.

Fair play to the guy, must take some serious bottle to "come out".

[SydneyCity]

The fact that I first encountered this story here rather than the local press (there is literally nothing that's immediately visible on the news) is probably indicative of two things. Broadly speaking Australian's…

1. …aren't really too fussed if you're gay or not
2. …don't really care about domestic football

That's not to say Australian's are perfect, or to deny any hostility exists, they just don't get as hung up on sexuality as most other nationalities.

 

[And Its Smith]

16 minutes ago, SydneyCity said:

The fact that I first encountered this story here rather than the local press (there is literally nothing that's immediately visible on the news) is probably indicative of two things. Broadly speaking Australian's…

1. …aren't really too fussed if you're gay or not
2. …don't really care about domestic football

That's not to say Australian's are perfect, or to deny any hostility exists, they just don't get as hung up on sexuality as most other nationalities.

 

https://amp.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jun/08/almost-all-australian-lgbtq-high-school-students-hear-homophobic-language-at-school-study-finds
 

From that, it seems that there is a lot of hang up In Oz on sexuality

 

[DolmanGaz]

1 hour ago, Coxy27 said:

He isn't the first - there have been a few.

Either way, good on him.

He's the first to do so whilst still playing though, isn't he? Others did so after retiring. 

[Wiltshire robin]

12 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

https://amp.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jun/08/almost-all-australian-lgbtq-high-school-students-hear-homophobic-language-at-school-study-finds
 

From that, it seems that there is a lot of hang up In Oz on sexuality

 

The sad thing is it’s the same in the uk.

Theres a gay guy where I work and even the directors take the piss behind his back. 
 

 

[Coxy27]

1 minute ago, DolmanGaz said:

He's the first to do so whilst still playing though, isn't he? Others did so after retiring. 

Nope - several others have done the same.

Collin Martin for example still currently plays in the MLS and came out in 2018.

[DolmanGaz]

Just now, Coxy27 said:

Nope - several others have done the same.

Collin Martin for example still currently plays in the MLS and came out in 2018.

fair enough, just what i read on bbc. 

[And Its Smith]

2 minutes ago, Wiltshire robin said:

The sad thing is it’s the same in the uk.

Theres a gay guy where I work and even the directors take the piss behind his back. 
 

 

Yep absolutely. Same in my workplace. 
 

I think Sydney Red saying that it’s not being reported over there because there’s no hang up is wrong. The opposite is probably true.  
 

My own mother said that two men shouldn’t be dancing on Strictly as it ‘normalises’  homosexuality.  Exactly what it is trying to achieve. 

[Wiltshire robin]

Agreed

At my work place it’s more of a Generational thing as all the homophobic people tend to be 50s and over (not saying everyone over 50 is homophobic)

Everyone else who is younger at my work just thinks of being gay as normal and not even worth batting an eyelid .

[Gazred]

I really hope more or even all gay footballers come out off the back of this. They probably wont but I think they would be surprised at the amount of support and understanding they would get from their club, fellow pros and supporters these days and of course their family and friends if they didn't already know.

It doesn't seem to be an issue at all in the ladies game. Plenty are openly gay and even in relationships with one another.

Sad reflection of society unfortunately.

[exAtyeoMax]

I suppose I'm more concerned about the media circus around these issues. I hope this chap has lots of support and advice, I don't trust the Sun or any MSM outlet, they're not interested in his wellbeing, just selling newspapers/online clicks. 

[Crimson Crayola]

56 minutes ago, KegCity said:

I agree, but it's important to those players as they can be true to themselves and not have to hide anything/deal with scrutiny around their private lives as to why they aren't married etc. That scrutiny shouldn't be there, but it is. Should hopefully help reduce the casual homophobia in football (and society) as well.

Fair play to the guy, must take some serious bottle to "come out".

Couldn't have put it better myself. Anyone that thinks this isn't a big issue is clearly missing the point and not able to empathise with this lads situation.

[cidered abroad]

Do we really need to know about anyone's sexual, religious, food, ethnicity, etc preferences? 

As long as they do their job to the best of their ability, obey laws ofthe country, be a decent person in relation to others, why do we need this information.

[mozo]

2 hours ago, Port Said Red said:

It is, but the idea that he has to "come out" is the saddest thing, it shouldn't matter what his sexuality is in a normal society.

It is sad, but until people come out it will remain taboo, and so long as it remains taboo there will be the negative attitudes that hold society back.

[LondonBristolian]

Just now, cidered abroad said:

Do we really need to know about anyone's sexual, religious, food, ethnicity, etc preferences? 

As long as they do their job to the best of their ability, obey laws ofthe country, be a decent person in relation to others, why do we need this information.

We don't need to know but they need to be able to freely and comfortably talk about it.

A lot of it is just the little things, such as if someone wants to talk about what they got up to at the weekend. Usually you'd say "I went to x with my wife" or "I saw such-and-such with my boyfriend". Way harder if you feel the need to hide their gender. 

[Wanderingred]

Around 15 years ago, I posted a thread before a game with Brighton urging our fans to refrain from homophobic chanting towards their fans and players. From my memory, the majority of the responses were hostile, calling me a snowflake and that it was just “banter”… One or two people even said that homosexuals deserved to be the target of abuse. It’s amazing how we’ve progressed in such a short space of time and that unanimously on this thread, people would have no issues with a gay player at the City and encourage them to speak out and feel comfortable.

Edited October 27, 2021 by Wanderingred

[mozo]

2 minutes ago, cidered abroad said:

Do we really need to know about anyone's sexual, religious, food, ethnicity, etc preferences? 

As long as they do their job to the best of their ability, obey laws ofthe country, be a decent person in relation to others, why do we need this information.

In the context of an equal society no we don't.

In the context of our society whereby footballers feel they have to hide their homosexuality because of perceived consequences, it really could help.

[And Its Smith]

3 minutes ago, cidered abroad said:

Do we really need to know about anyone's sexual, religious, food, ethnicity, etc preferences? 

As long as they do their job to the best of their ability, obey laws ofthe country, be a decent person in relation to others, why do we need this information.

If you read above on this thread you should find your questions have already been answered 

[Davefevs]

Does the term “come out” really help here?  Seems a crass, outdated term.

[Fordy62]

1 minute ago, Davefevs said:

Does the term “come out” really help here?  Seems a crass, outdated term.

Good question. I wonder if it’s been wholly embraced by the gay community and they’ve made it theirs, a little bit like the word “queer”.

I don’t know the answer to this by the way, but just a thought. 

[Gazred]

3 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Does the term “come out” really help here?  Seems a crass, outdated term.

Therein lays the whole problem for me Dave. It shouldn't be a thing but society deems it to be. Therefore it has to be an 'event' regardless of the term used.

[Port Said Red]

16 minutes ago, Wiltshire robin said:

Agreed

At my work place it’s more of a Generational thing as all the homophobic people tend to be 50s and over (not saying everyone over 50 is homophobic)

Everyone else who is younger at my work just thinks of being gay as normal and not even worth batting an eyelid .

Perhaps it is the type of workplace? My early working career was in labouring type work and I guess peer pressure meant that I joined in with the gags and the inferences that one did in those days. When I started working in the casino industry being openly gay was the norm and it changed my perspective completely. It became obvious very quickly that someones sexuality had little to do with whether I enjoyed their company, anymore than if they were of a different race or colour. I either liked them, disliked them or tolerated them on their personality and I really dislike it when people say, "ah well, you know what those people are like because everyone has their individual traits.

[Roger Red Hat]

2 hours ago, Fordy62 said:

But given he’s the first pro footballer to come out as gay

Is he?

[nebristolred]

Top man, fair play to him. It shouldn't matter but it does, so I hope he gets all the support he can.

All I'll say is that the reason that more people don't come out as gay is largely down to us. We're the blokes, we're the ones who either intentionally or unintentionally sometimes create this situation where people cannot be the people they want to be. Hopefully we can help create the environment where more footballers can be themselves openly without fear of criticism.

[The Dolman Pragmatist]

22 minutes ago, cidered abroad said:

Do we really need to know about anyone's sexual, religious, food, ethnicity, etc preferences? 

As long as they do their job to the best of their ability, obey laws ofthe country, be a decent person in relation to others, why do we need this information.

This is not a question of ‘sexual preference’, this is about sexual orientation, about who someone is.  You do not necessarily need this information, but the player has decided that it is intolerable for him to carry on without being true to himself, so he has made this announcement.  It is for his benefit, not yours.

Would you think it right that someone could not admit to being Jewish, say, for fear of persecution?

[The Dolman Pragmatist]

2 minutes ago, JamesBCFC said:

Wasn't Justin Fashanu the first to 'come out' while playing?

Regardless, fair play to Josh Cavallo.

Hopefully we can one day get to a point where players are able to feel comfortable in football without the need to publicly 'come out', but unfortunately society isn't at that point yet.

While society assumes that everyone is straight until told otherwise, coming out is always going to be a fact of life for many people.

[SydneyCity]

58 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

https://amp.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jun/08/almost-all-australian-lgbtq-high-school-students-hear-homophobic-language-at-school-study-finds
 

From that, it seems that there is a lot of hang up In Oz on sexuality

 

I'll revert back to the start and end of my post:

"Broadly speaking" and…

"That's not to say Australian's are perfect, or to deny any hostility exists, they just don't get as hung up on sexuality as most other nationalities."

I'm definitely not saying homophobia doesn't exist in Australia, of course it does.

I guess at least part of my point was a gay footballer doesn't really register over here because homosexuality isn't considered news worthy and neither is "soccer".

Some of Australia's most successful Olympians have been openly gay for years as have a large number of other prominent athletes… https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:LGBT_sportspeople_from_Australia.

In sporting terms, being more prominent than "local soccer player" isn't hard and "Gay sportsman (or woman)" just doesn't as resonate as much as a headline over here as it may do elsewhere.

For me the main take out of my ramblings are Australians should care more about local football.

 

[Oh Louie louie]

Yes justin was the first i recall.

Was front page news.

Good doc on it.

[And Its Smith]

19 minutes ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

While society assumes that everyone is straight until told otherwise, coming out is always going to be a fact of life for many people.

I agree and language is very important. I cringe if I hear parents say to their sons if they have any girlfriends at school. Just ask if they have any girlfriends or boyfriends. Make it completely equal.  

[Port Said Red]

27 minutes ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

While society assumes that everyone is straight until told otherwise, coming out is always going to be a fact of life for many people.

It doesn't seem to work like that in womens sport though. It seems to me that the immediate assumption is that woman who take up sport are gay and that they almost have to "come out" as straight. 

[Bernard Lerring]

I read the thread title and assumed it was a double barrelled surname... thought we'd signed the son of that bloke who phones into radio Bristol!

[East Londoner]

Good for him, I’ve never understood how who someone loves or is attracted to makes any difference to anybody apart from them. I see lots of high profile players and clubs have reached out to him offering solidarity and congratulations which is both nice to see and also a little sad that it’s still necessary in this day and age and is a reminder that taking the knee is taking a stand against any form of discrimination rather than as a separate political statement 

But now it’s out in the open what I’m more interested in is, is he any good although we seem fairly well stocked for left backs at the moment 

 

[HitchinRed]

I’m really not sure whether this thread:

a) reassures gays that they can talk about their sexuality openly, or

b) dissuades gays from ‘coming out’ because they’ll know it’ll become the topic of conversation.

I’m from the viewpoint, that a person’s sexuality really doesn’t matter, and shouldn’t be a talking point. The fact this has become the subject of a thread is disappointing.

[Lorenzos Only Goal]

2 hours ago, HitchinRed said:

I’m really not sure whether this thread:

a) reassures gays that they can talk about their sexuality openly, or

b) dissuades gays from ‘coming out’ because they’ll know it’ll become the topic of conversation.

I’m from the viewpoint, that a person’s sexuality really doesn’t matter, and shouldn’t be a talking point. The fact this has become the subject of a thread is disappointing.

Exactly and its sad that in 2021 its brave. 

[richwwtk]

4 hours ago, Oh Louie louie said:

Yes justin was the first i recall.

Was front page news.

Good doc on it.

Justin Fashanu didn't come out until he had retired so far as I know.

edit - apologies, it seems he came out just at the end of his career in this country.

Edited October 27, 2021 by richwwtk

[mozo]

2 hours ago, HitchinRed said:

I’m really not sure whether this thread:

a) reassures gays that they can talk about their sexuality openly, or

b) dissuades gays from ‘coming out’ because they’ll know it’ll become the topic of conversation.

I’m from the viewpoint, that a person’s sexuality really doesn’t matter, and shouldn’t be a talking point. The fact this has become the subject of a thread is disappointing.

We need to transition from taboo to normalisation and that will take some people being the pioneers in the public eye unfortunately. I can perfectly understand why they wouldn't want to though.

[alexukhc]

Good on him, not that it matters it’s up-to him if he chooses, just like those who boo when we take the knee you either support your team/ it’s players or you don’t.. some people are gay, oh well 

[archie andrews]

5 hours ago, Roger Red Hat said:

Is he?

Cant be.... Theres one on coronation Street.... 

[Guest]

8 hours ago, And Its Smith said:

Good. The way it should be.  

Unfortunately homophobia is still out there and there are plenty of people that don’t see homosexuality as ‘normal’.  The more people in the public eye that are ‘out’ the better. Especially if breaking new ground aka professional football 

 

Not sure I agree with this, there’s no reason to come out to state your gay unless...

1- The player is being victimised by fans who want to know why he isn’t married, why doesn’t he have kids

2- Publicity  

[PHILINFRANCE]

6 hours ago, Davefevs said:

Does the term “come out” really help here?  Seems a crass, outdated term.

I agree, and I have thought this for quite some time.

It seems to me that it is almost like saying:

'Hi Guys,  I have a confession to make.

I am sorry to have to admit that I am gay'.

It just seems so negative for something that should just be accepted, embraced even.

Some of us from an older generation will recall slurs being made about mixed raced relationships - I know it's not the same subject - but (thankfully) when one of my daughters tells me she has a new boyfriend my only concern is that she is happy (and safe).

 

 

 

[And Its Smith]

28 minutes ago, LoyalRed said:

Not sure I agree with this, there’s no reason to come out to state your gay unless...

1- The player is being victimised by fans who want to know why he isn’t married, why doesn’t he have kids

2- Publicity  

You clearly don’t get it then.  The reasons have been explained on this thread and have been explained on numerous other threads. If you read any article from homosexual people you will read similar. Gay people saying this is important aren’t lying. 

[Bannerman]

1 minute ago, PHILINFRANCE said:

I agree, and I have thought this for quite some time.

It seems to me that it is almost like saying:

'Hi Guys,  I have a confession to make.

I am sorry to have to admit that I am gay'.

It just seems so negative for something that should just be accepted, embraced even.

Some of us from an older generation will recall slurs being made about mixed raced relationships - I know it's not the same subject - but (thankfully) when one of my daughters tells me she has a new boyfriend my only concern is that she is happy (and safe).

 

 

 

And would you be concerned if I share the same bath, shower room with your daughter within the  sports field?

I agree ‘coming out’ is rather dated and I don’t care what sexuality you are but I would not like to share the same bath, showroom, otherwise where is my choice?

[PHILINFRANCE]

10 minutes ago, Bannerman said:

And would you be concerned if I share the same bath, shower room with your daughter within the  sports field?

I agree ‘coming out’ is rather dated and I don’t care what sexuality you are but I would not like to share the same bath, showroom, otherwise where is my choice?

I am sorry. I don't think we have ever met, so I have no idea whether you are male or female - are we still allowed to say/ask that?

On the assumption (based on your user name) that you are male (or perhaps a Blue Mink fan), then I would most certainly be concerned, to the extent that I would most likely chase you out with a good beating.

Should you be female, however, and of a similar age and peer group, then I would have no qualms - I played football in Bristol for many years and shared many showers, even baths, with my (male) teammates, and I can assure you that their sexual persuasion never once crossed my mind.

[The Constant Rabbit]

8 hours ago, And Its Smith said:

https://amp.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jun/08/almost-all-australian-lgbtq-high-school-students-hear-homophobic-language-at-school-study-finds
 

From that, it seems that there is a lot of hang up In Oz on sexuality

 

That's a sample of children. By Uni under-grads. In The Guardian.

Kids say things they don't understand.

Australia is incredibly gay-friendly. 

My son is gay and has had zero issues socially or at work.

 

I live here.   Sydney Red does too.

 

I can assure you that you would be pleasantly surprised should you ever venture to Australia.

 

I'll give you 10/10 for spending the time to go searching for an argument though. 

 

 

[The Constant Rabbit]

Did everyone forget Tanya?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanya_Oxtoby

[Bannerman]

3 minutes ago, PHILINFRANCE said:

I am sorry. I don't think we have ever met, so I have no idea whether you are male or female - are we still allowed to say/ask that?

On the assumption (based on your user name) that you are male (or perhaps a Blue Mink fan), then I would most certainly be concerned, to the extent that I would most likely chase you out with a good beating.

Should you be female, however, and of a similar age and peer group, then I would have no qualms - I played football in Bristol for many years and shared many showers, even baths, with my (male) teammates, and I can assure you that their sexual persuasion never once crossed my mind.

Immature reply has missed the point.

Bannerman is a Scottish family name and therefore suits all sexualities.

And as for my sexuality is a contradiction to your reply.

 

[And Its Smith]

19 minutes ago, The Constant Rabbit said:

That's a sample of children. By Uni under-grads. In The Guardian.

Kids say things they don't understand.

Australia is incredibly gay-friendly. 

My son is gay and has had zero issues socially or at work.

 

I live here.   Sydney Red does too.

 

I can assure you that you would be pleasantly surprised should you ever venture to Australia.

 

I'll give you 10/10 for spending the time to go searching for an argument though. 

 

 

Not looking for an argument. It’s called a different point of view. 6 out of 10 people in Australia suffer homophobic abuse. 20% have suffered physical abuse. 40% of Australian workers hide their sexuality at work. Things are slowly getting better everywhere, including in Australia but I would say it’s far from gay friendly .  Very happy to hear that your son has had no issues though, obviously 

Edited October 27, 2021 by And Its Smith

[Super]

7 hours ago, Port Said Red said:

Perhaps it is the type of workplace? My early working career was in labouring type work and I guess peer pressure meant that I joined in with the gags and the inferences that one did in those days. When I started working in the casino industry being openly gay was the norm and it changed my perspective completely. It became obvious very quickly that someones sexuality had little to do with whether I enjoyed their company, anymore than if they were of a different race or colour. I either liked them, disliked them or tolerated them on their personality and I really dislike it when people say, "ah well, you know what those people are like because everyone has their individual traits.

Def construction industry is the worst for this kind of stuff.

[fgrsimon]

8 hours ago, Wiltshire robin said:

The sad thing is it’s the same in the uk.

Theres a gay guy where I work and even the directors take the piss behind his back. 
 

 

Your company might have a whistleblowing service for that sort of thing. It's totally unacceptable, even more so at director level. Even worse if they're not bothered about others overhearing. 

[bpexile]

21 hours ago, Fordy62 said:

Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo has come out as gay. 

So many of you will say that it’s not a big deal. But given he’s the first pro footballer to come out as gay, it is a big deal. 

I see he’s been retweeted by Gerard Pique. I wonder which of our Premier League stars will give their backing too… I fear there won’t be many. 

Well done Josh, massively brave. Fair play. Sad it should be this way. 

https://twitter.com/JoshuaCavallo/status/1453172151914168320?s=20

On the subject of being the 1st, several of the AFL women's players have openly shown they are gay. So what, I believe everyone should have happiness in their lives & now these players can play without having to hide the fact & play with more freedom.

Good luck to all of them

[bpexile]

19 hours ago, Wiltshire robin said:

Agreed

At my work place it’s more of a Generational thing as all the homophobic people tend to be 50s and over (not saying everyone over 50 is homophobic)

Everyone else who is younger at my work just thinks of being gay as normal and not even worth batting an eyelid .

Couldn't agree more,  I'm now in my 70's & many people in my age group thought it was taboo in the day & still do. As I said in another post, I believe everybody is entitled to happiness in their lives & I wish them just that.

[Wiltshire robin]

15 hours ago, fgrsimon said:

Your company might have a whistleblowing service for that sort of thing. It's totally unacceptable, even more so at director level. Even worse if they're not bothered about others overhearing. 

There’s definitely not a whistleblowing service here mate it’s ran very old school. Piss taking about gays and refugees are common practice among the hierarchy.

 

[bpexile]

8 hours ago, Wiltshire robin said:

There’s definitely not a whistleblowing service here mate it’s ran very old school. Piss taking about gays and refugees are common practice among the hierarchy.

 

I'm afraid it happens all to often.

[TheReds]

On 27/10/2021 at 21:30, The Constant Rabbit said:

That's a sample of children. By Uni under-grads. In The Guardian.

Kids say things they don't understand.

Australia is incredibly gay-friendly. 

My son is gay and has had zero issues socially or at work.

 

I live here.   Sydney Red does too.

 

I can assure you that you would be pleasantly surprised should you ever venture to Australia.

 

I'll give you 10/10 for spending the time to go searching for an argument though. 

 

 

It's as if The Guardian have some sort of agenda, like the majority of media outlets which is just full of huge bias towards what they want people to believe. I expect if the Daily Mail wanted to do the same sort of "story", they would find the exact opposite by asking who they want to ask to get the results they want. 

[underover]

On 27/10/2021 at 16:33, HitchinRed said:

I’m really not sure whether this thread:

a) reassures gays that they can talk about their sexuality openly, or

b) dissuades gays from ‘coming out’ because they’ll know it’ll become the topic of conversation.

I’m from the viewpoint, that a person’s sexuality really doesn’t matter, and shouldn’t be a talking point. The fact this has become the subject of a thread is disappointing.

Perhaps I can give my perspective as one of ‘the gays’ then, 

it’s obviously largely down to individuals of course but everyone would know it would be a taking point, and whilst you would be aware that people would react negatively (I would say even in this day and age but homophobic hate crime and instances of ‘gay bashing’ for example are on the rise) you would also know just how much the representation matters to young gay people not just in football but in sport and sometimes just in life to see a successful openly gay person being openly gay in an environment where it’s very difficult to be so - that also for everyone asking why it matters is why it matters. 
If you don’t care, great, but to any potentially closeted kids it potentially means the world, it potentially means they’ll stay in football because they realise actually it can be for people like them. That’s why it matters and that’s why it’s a talking point. Yes one day you’d hope for it to be a non-event as for example it generally is in women’s sport (but then a whole load of other stereotypes apply there to explain why that’s the case beyond of course the difference in media coverage) but that is sadly a long way off. 

[HitchinRed]

11 hours ago, underover said:

Perhaps I can give my perspective as one of ‘the gays’ then, 

it’s obviously largely down to individuals of course but everyone would know it would be a taking point, and whilst you would be aware that people would react negatively (I would say even in this day and age but homophobic hate crime and instances of ‘gay bashing’ for example are on the rise) you would also know just how much the representation matters to young gay people not just in football but in sport and sometimes just in life to see a successful openly gay person being openly gay in an environment where it’s very difficult to be so - that also for everyone asking why it matters is why it matters. 
If you don’t care, great, but to any potentially closeted kids it potentially means the world, it potentially means they’ll stay in football because they realise actually it can be for people like them. That’s why it matters and that’s why it’s a talking point. Yes one day you’d hope for it to be a non-event as for example it generally is in women’s sport (but then a whole load of other stereotypes apply there to explain why that’s the case beyond of course the difference in media coverage) but that is sadly a long way off. 

Thanks for your perspective Underover. As mentioned in my post, it is very disappointing that we are still ‘a long way off’ everybody being treated equally as individuals (if that makes sense).

Until then, I guess we need these trailblazers to highlight that sexuality is irrelevant, but also nothing to be ashamed of.