Homophobia in football - Dissertation survey

[Guest MattP]

Out of interest, what are your reasons for not wanting a gay person in your team?

 

It would make a lot of team bonding events I used to organise quite awkward.

[Xen]

It would make a lot of team bonding events I used to organise quite awkward.

So organise different ones? If 'team bonding' events aren't suitable for everyone, then find something that is?

If it would be awkward purely because someone is attracted to men instead of women, then the only activities that really spring to mind wouldn't really be suitable for players who in relationships or married either, and some people just wouldn't like those sorts of activities...

Are there any other reasons? Anything football-related?

[MPH]

Must admit, i'm more of an Adam and Eve  than an Adam and Steve man myself. Just a personal view and all that.

 

 

 

But surely its a bit like the army... If im in the army and we're in a battle like Afghanistan or something... I want the person who can fire their gun the most accurately next to me. I woudlnt really care if he liked rogering vacuum cleaners in his spare time just as long as he's right there with me in the battle  covering my behind if you excuse the pun..

 

 

 

 

Surely a striker would want the best passer of the ball to get that ball in front of him and give him the most goal scoring chances, no matter what he does in his spare time?

[Mark_w]

No one is stopping them officially - I'm saying society's views now make it virtually impossible to for people with controversial opinions to come forward and speak about them openly, we now live in a country where you and your children can get harassed and driven out of pubs on a Sunday afternoon if you say you think women should be discreet about breadfeeding, people are hardly going to queue up to publicly announce they want gays out of football are they? If they worked in the game they would lose their job for a start.

 

The same thing Trevor Phillips (former head of the CRE) was saying last week if you caught the news about his TV program called 'The truth about race'.

 

It's incredibly easy to share your controversial views and speak openly about them on the internet. Plenty of people do it on here and have you ever visited Bentleys Roof?

 

We're talking about answering this survey on Foxes Talk, not any other environment, I don't see why anyone would be afraid to share their views on the matter here, we're usually pretty split when the debate does pop up (see Gay Cake Row/Gay Marriage Now Legal etc.) so it's not like people opposed to homosexuality would be on their own on here.

[Buce]

I am utterly bemused that anyone could have a problem with having a gay player in the team. If we had a 40 goal a season striker banging in the goals that kept us in the premiership, would anyone really care what he does in the bedroom? Personally, I'd cheer him to the rafters.

Whatever one's views on homosexuality, it's an illogical a prejudice as not wanting a black player in the team.

It's also worth remembering that statistically one or two members of the squad we so enthusiatically applauded last season are gay. Are the team's achievements in any way diminished by this?

[Guest MattP]

I am utterly bemused that anyone could have a problem with having a gay player in the team. If we had a 40 goal a season striker banging in the goals that kept us in the premiership, would anyone really care what he does in the bedroom? Personally, I'd cheer him to the rafters.

Whatever one's views on homosexuality, it's an illogical a prejudice as not wanting a black player in the team.

It's also worth remembering that statistically one or two members of the squad we so enthusiatically applauded last season are gay. Are the team's achievements in any way diminished by this?

 

I don't think would ever turn down a good player on the basis of their sexuality would they?

 

As for our squad - maybe, maybe not.

 

I doubt the amount of gays in football would reflect the national demographic average, I'm sure there are of course some, but I'd think football would be lower whereas things like hairdressing, showbusiness would probably be higher on the balance of probability.

 

I've worked with about ten gays from memory and not a single one was remotely interested in football.

So organise different ones? If 'team bonding' events aren't suitable for everyone, then find something that is?

If it would be awkward purely because someone is attracted to men instead of women, then the only activities that really spring to mind wouldn't really be suitable for players who in relationships or married either, and some people just wouldn't like those sorts of activities...

Are there any other reasons? Anything football-related?

 

Nope, I'd just prefer it as it's easier.

 

But as I say, if we had one then I would try and change things to suit them, I just would rather not if possible.

 

I've had to run around changing things in the past for Halal purposes, again, nothing against the people personally but you could do without the hassle.

[Xen]

I don't think would ever turn down a good player on the basis of their sexuality would they?

 

As for our squad - maybe, maybe not.

 

I doubt the amount of gays in football would reflect the national demographic average, I'm sure there are of course some, but I'd think football would be lower whereas things like hairdressing, showbusiness would probably be higher on the balance of probability.

 

I've worked with about ten gays from memory and not a single one was remotely interested in football.

 

Nope, I'd just prefer it as it's easier.

 

But as I say, if we had one then I would try and change things to suit them, I just would rather not if possible.

 

I've had to run around changing things in the past for Halal purposes, again, nothing against the people personally but you could do without the hassle.

 

Fair enough, but the way you're phrasing it makes it come across as though you think gay people are a nuisance, almost as if those sorts of situations should be avoided if at all possible.

 

And for future reference, try and avoid saying things like "If we had one...". We're people, not objects, and it's more than just a little bit dehumanising to be referred to like that.

 

If you'd rather a gay person didn't join your club just because it would make your life marginally more 'awkward', then YOU are the problem, not gay men.

 

 

With regards to the comment that very few gay people are interested in football, I think that's just a little bit flawed. The entire reason why it's not so popular within the gay community is nothing to do with gay people, and EVERYTHING to do with the attitudes of the majority of football fans. If you went somewhere to enjoy an event and suddenly you had everyone judging you for something completely unrelated, you'd feel shunned and wouldn't have a good time, and probably wouldn't go back again.

Thankfully, these attitudes are changing, which is why more and more gay people - particularly young gay people - are starting to get into football as much as any other group. There are numerous gay/inclusive football clubs popping up around the country - as there has been in rugby for years - and its gaining momentum rapidly.

[Guest MattP]

And the above post is exactly the reason why some people can't be bothered or don't see the point on expressing viewpoints on issues like this.

It's either you will go out of your way to accommodate someone's sexuality no matter how much inconvenience or hassle it causes as it's great to be gay or you're the problem and you will be declared the bigot.

The new moral tyranny evident in so much of today's society.

[Mark_w]

I don't really understand why you think you, or indeed a football team, would have to change anything at all to accommodate a homosexual?

 

I'm not being a moral tyrant, I just genuinley don't understand why you'd have to do anything different at all.

[Guest MattP]

From the dressing rooms I've been in a hell of a lot.

I'd imagine most people over 30 would be the same.

[Mark_w]

From the dressing rooms I've been in a hell of a lot.

I'd imagine most people over 30 would be the same.

 

Why? Surely homosexual people are capable of engaging in all of the same activities and conversations your football team do, if they don't like that atmosphere you'd imagine they'd leave and find one they're more comfortable with.

 

It doesn't really strike me as being something to do with sexuality, it surely just depends on peoples personalities unless I'm missing something.

[MPH]

I don't really understand why you think you, or indeed a football team, would have to change anything at all to accommodate a homosexual?

 

I'm not being a moral tyrant, I just genuinley don't understand why you'd have to do anything different at all.

 

 

from a purely sexual attraction point of view, would it be fair to  expect a female to use the same changing room as a male?

 

 

 

Like i said, thats purely about sexual attraction or the POTENTIAL for it.

 

 

 

 

Now im not one of those people that thinks all gay men fancy ANY man they see..... but hopefully you;ll get my point...

[Mark_w]

from a purely sexual attraction point of view, would it be fair to  expect a female to use the same changing room as a male?

 

Like i said, thats purely about sexual attraction or the POTENTIAL for it.

 

Now im not one of those people that thinks all gay men fancy ANY man they see..... but hopefully you;ll get my point...

 

I don't think it would be fair to expect a female to share a dressing room with a man. Or vice versa. Or a homosexual with a heterosexual or vice versa.

 

But if all are comfortable with the situation, then there's no problem with any of those situations in my book. I don't know how uncomfortable a homosexual putting on socks, shorts and a shirt would make your average group of adult males to be honest with you. I take your point, but I don't think it'd be an issue for me and I don't really see why anyone else would think it's a major issue. If you're that worried about it then surely you'd never go swimming or play any team sport just in case, think people concerned about that just need to be a bit more mature about the situation to be honest.

[Xen]

from a purely sexual attraction point of view, would it be fair to  expect a female to use the same changing room as a male?

 

 

 

Like i said, thats purely about sexual attraction or the POTENTIAL for it.

 

 

 

 

Now im not one of those people that thinks all gay men fancy ANY man they see..... but hopefully you;ll get my point...

 

By that logic, any gay/inclusive rugby/football team locker rooms would essentially be non-stop orgies, as you'd have 11+ men, all of whom are attracted to other men, in a confined space in varying states of undress. However, that just doesn't happen, as there's a mutual respect for everyone insofar that the players know that there's a time and a place for that sort of thing, and it ain't there. They're there to play football and have a laugh, nothing more.

 

Now take that already-slim chance, and compare it with this: A gay man has just joined a football team, and is already apprehensive of how he's going to be treated by his teammates. He doesn't want to be shunned just because he's gay, so do you really think he's going to try anything on with any of his teammates who he knows are straight, when he's got everything to lose and nothing to gain?

 

Sure, there'll be a few cases of people overstepping the mark, but deal with those as individual cases and just let those of us who want to just play football do so.

 

And, while it's a relevant to the conversation, if you feel uncomfortable just because there's a chance that a gay guy might glance for a split second too long, just think back to all the times that you (as in, straight men) have done the exact same thing to women, and perhaps think about reassessing your behaviour.

[The Railway Man]

I don't really understand why you think you, or indeed a football team, would have to change anything at all to accommodate a homosexual?

 

I'm not being a moral tyrant, I just genuinley don't understand why you'd have to do anything different at all.

 

Would make the end of season trip to Platinum Lace a bit shit wouldn't it? Not to mention deciding which stripper to book for the presentation evening.

[purpleronnie]

from a purely sexual attraction point of view, would it be fair to  expect a female to use the same changing room as a male?

 

 

 

Like i said, thats purely about sexual attraction or the POTENTIAL for it.

 

 

 

 

Now im not one of those people that thinks all gay men fancy ANY man they see..... but hopefully you;ll get my point...

Baffling.

[The Railway Man]

Do mixed doubles teams in Tennis use the shower together?

[purpleronnie]

Do mixed doubles teams in Tennis use the shower together?

I love how people think homosexuals are another gender.

[Carl the Llama]

Honestly I think the only guys who have a problem with gays in their team are the ones who project their own personality onto the gay man behind them and don't like the imagined objectification.  I'll admit there have been times when I've been initially uncomfortable around someone who I've just learned to be gay, but honestly it's the same sort of uncomfortable you get when you're out drinking and a girl you have no desire for starts chatting you up, with the bonus that in this scenario there's no actual need to spread your jacket out at full-stretch and roar loudly to make yourself appear larger and scare them off.

[Rincewind]

there was a documentary a few years back on gay footballers. one of the Fashanu brothers presented it. I forget which one it was that came out and caused a lot of fuss. anyway the other went around clubs asking players their thoughts. the BEEB was prevented at times from asking certain people at the FA. It may be in the archives on YouTube.

[MPH]

I love how people think homosexuals are another gender.

I love how you quoted my post but ignored the fact i said it was all about the potential sexual attraction..

[Rincewind]

this may be the documentary I was thinking of if anyone has time to watch it. 48 minutes long.

 

https://youtu.be/x8lUe59EP84

 

I thought videos could be posted direct on here via the share link.

[Guest MattP]

I love how you quoted my post but ignored the fact i said it was all about the potential sexual attraction..

 

People aren't going to read what you actually write when it comes to things like this.

 

If the gay wants to shower with you you let him, if he wants to look at you you let him, if he stands there with a stiffy and starts tugging you better damn well let him, if not you are a bigot and a homophobe who should spend the rest of his life on the dole.

[Mark_w]

People aren't going to read what you actually write when it comes to things like this.

 

If the gay wants to shower with you you let him, if he wants to look at you you let him, if he stands there with a stiffy and starts tugging you better damn well let him, if not you are a bigot and a homophobe who should spend the rest of his life on the dole.

 

Well that second sentence certainly supports your 'People aren't going to read what you actually write when it comes to things like this.' theory.

[MPH]

People aren't going to read what you actually write when it comes to things like this.

 

If the gay wants to shower with you you let him, if he wants to look at you you let him, if he stands there with a stiffy and starts tugging you better damn well let him, if not you are a bigot and a homophobe who should spend the rest of his life on the dole.

 

 

 

Does also Irk me a little that people are either trying to reinvent a new meaning for the word Homophobia, or just dont't understand the meaning of the word. 

 

 

Not suggesting thats the case for purpleronnie just for some people in General

 

British Dictionary definitions for homophobicExpand

homophobia

/ˌhəʊməʊˈfəʊbɪə/

noun

1.

intense hatred or fear of homosexuals or homosexuality

 

 

 

 

 

No intense hatred or fear from me. Infact no hatred or fear at all. Yet i'll get labled with being homophobic for simply saying im more  of a Adam and Eve than Adam and Steve kind of person...