Image via the BBC
At the end of January the BBC broadcast a programme about British gay footballers…or the lack of them. Not only was this programme a huge success for BBC3, where its viewing figures were up more than 50% than the previous year; it also brought the subject matter prominently into the headlines again.
Twitter appears to have become a tool for footballers (and supporters) and their homophobic rants. Problem is they aren’t getting away with it anymore. Lee Steele was sacked from Oxford City in relation to his comment about Gareth Thomas and Michael Ball was fined by the FA and sacked from Leicester City for his, in relation to Antony Cotton.
You’d think they would learn wouldn’t you? But no, the most recent homophobic comment has come from West Ham player Ravel Morrison who decided to call a follower “a little faggot”. It will be interesting to see how his punishment pans out.
However, what stood out for me in this programme and reading the comments on the article about Ravel Morrison is that the biggest issue is not really the footballers, but the supporters. A footballer won’t come out because he fears it will be used as abuse. And I fully understand that fear as well.
So this blog wants to highlight a couple of things for the football industry to help them deal with “the gays”. You could kinda say this could help any homophobe.
Insecurities
Image via Tilted World
I honestly believe that there are only a small number of supporters that are homophobic. It’s just, at the moment; they are shouting the loudest because they think they can get away with it.
All this does, is show that these people have insecurities about themselves. What I would like to point out, is that we will not turn you gay. Only you can do that! So you are safe there!
Secondly, I understand that you may feel uncomfortable that a gay man finds you attractive. When did this become an insult? I mean just the other day; a female said that I was “cute”. This did not cause a reaction of abuse hurling and bitch slapping, because that is how the gays role. In fact, I said “thanks”.
You may feel these types of compliments are unwelcome, and I fully understand that. However, try and say that when you are not staring at a girls breasts, or ass; or even when you are wolf-whistling or jeering the ladies as they walk past. Yes, I can see how ‘compliments’ can be unwelcome.
Delve inside yourself and ask why you feel so insecure about gay people. Is it because you don’t know any? Well, I’ve got news for you; you do! It’s just that we don’t have a massive flashing neon sign above out heads stating that “we are a homo”! We don’t always wear pink! We don’t all act like Alan Carr (which isn’t a bad thing)! We are normal everyday people; who have faults just like you.
Is there a hidden secret that you are struggling to deal with? All my straight male friends have one thing in common: they are secure about themselves and their sexuality. You know where I am going here don’t you? Those who are not secure are the ones that have the problems accepting someone else. Now, I am not saying that you are gay…maybe bisexual, but it has been proven that homophobia from some people is due to them not being able to accept their own sexuality. Hell, I was one of them!
Ignorance
Image via Wikipedia
As well as a small number of supporters who are actually homophobic, I also believe there are a small number who are just ignorant.
I am not accepting that this as a viable reason to use the words, it’s just that a lot of people don’t think about what they are saying and the consequences it has.
In 2008, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) stated that gay was the most popular term used in schools. Alarmingly, within the list of 11 terms provided eight were homophobic. Now this survey was in 2008 so things will have changed, right? Maybe. Probably not! You may think that the reference is irrelevant. Yes, the story is about kids in the school ground…which in a way is the same as men in a football match.
Now my thought of using terms such as gay, homo and faggot are a totally different blog, but in a nutshell if you use a word in a derogative way; then it becomes offensive. End of!
The problem that you have when it comes to writing; is that the context can, and normally does, become ambiguous. So although, what you are saying may be in jest the reader can see it in a different way. Basically re-read what you write before you post. If you are not sure…then don’t post it.
What I should also point out; that if someone highlights that the language you are using is not acceptable yet you continue to use it, then you are no longer ignorant. You are being homophobic?
Religion
Image via Huffington Post
And for those spouting religion for the cause of their hatred I have a few words that I want to say to you.
Firstly, I don’t hate religions. I hate people who stand behind religion as an excuse for spurting their hatred; whether homophobic, racist, and sexist or anything else!
If the bible (or equivalent) states that I am a sinner and going to hell or alternative negative actions, then fine. This is not your place to turn round and tell me. You do not and have not got permission to make these judgements on behalf of the “man upstairs”. That includes the leaders of all religions! If you feel you do have permission, then please provide documentation signed and dated by your God confirming that you have been granted this. Note: your name would need to be on said document.
I understand that there are references to my sexuality within religious scrolls, which state what will happen to me when I die. I am also aware that there are a lot more references to similar actions that will happen to heterosexuals when they get to the pearly gates too.
Additionally I am conscious that homosexuality will not be the only sin that appears on my list. For example I have three tattoos and five piercings (Leviticus 19:28). But more importantly I regularly wear mixed fabrics (Deuteronomy 22:11) *hangs head in shame*. I know; I am ashamed of myself.
But, do you know what? I am happy with how I have used my time on this planet. It’s not been perfect, but I am confident that when my time comes, that I will be judged by my overall picture and not a minute part.
Not everyone is homophobic
Finally, I want to mention the larger non-homophobic supporters. I understand your concern for standing up against the homophobes. You may get labelled as a gay, although being comfortable with your sexuality I am sure you would respond “I’m not, but even if I was…so what!”
You may feel like you are on your own. But it only takes one person to make a change. Like lemmings we will follow. That is all!
Related Articles:
BBC News | How ‘gay’ became children’s insult of choice
BBC News | Oxford City sack Lee Steele for homophobic tweet
BBC Three | Britain’s Gay Footballers
Goal.com | Homophobic Ravel Morrison tweet is ‘extremely disappointing’ – Justin Campaign’s Alan Duffy
Pink News | Gay footballers film boosts BBC3 audience by 50%
The Telegraph | Leicester City sack Michael Ball after defender is fined £6,000 for homophobic tweet by Football Association
Filed under: Homophobia, Opinion, Rant | Tagged: Alan Carr, Antony Cotton, Football, Gareth Thomas, Homophobia, Lee Steele, Michael Ball, Ravel Morrison, Religon, Twitter | Leave a Comment »
