TopGun Posted 19 December, 2009 Share Posted 19 December, 2009 Ex-Wales and Lions RU winger and legend Gareth Thomas has stated he is gay. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/8421956.stm Quite a tough decision for him and, as he states, he can't be an anomaly. I imagine there must be hundreds of professional footballers who are gay on a 10% rule. But I can only think of Justin Fashanu and he topped himself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanovski Posted 19 December, 2009 Share Posted 19 December, 2009 gotta be hard to be gay, i couldnt do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 19 December, 2009 Share Posted 19 December, 2009 Isn't Jermaine Jenas gay? I heard that somewhere. Sol Campbell as well reportedly, but he's just mental. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draino76 Posted 19 December, 2009 Share Posted 19 December, 2009 gotta be hard to be gay, i couldnt do it. Its gotta be hard to be straight too, unless you are using your fingers or tongue IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oxfordshire_saint Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 Isn't Jermaine Jenas gay? I heard that somewhere. Sol Campbell as well reportedly, but he's just mental. Cashley is suspect. Clearly a sham marriage with the Tweedy. John O'Shea was rumoured to be gay too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 I read the title as "Gay Men in Tight Shorts". Not sure whether I was pleased or disappointed with the actual thread... FWIW, I agree that there must be hundred of professional footballer who are gay. I cant see anyone "coming out" for a few years yet though, and then Im sure it will be a mainland European player rather than a British one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatch Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 I have my doubts about Aaron Lennon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arizona Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 The 10% rule applies to the population as a whole, but it will vary considerably within different jobs. For example airline stewards are probably about 50:50. Hairdressers maybe 75%+. To balance that out there will be less in some jobs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 The 10% rule applies to the population as a whole, but it will vary considerably within different jobs. For example airline stewards are probably about 50:50. Hairdressers maybe 75%+. To balance that out there will be less in some jobs. Personal experience? Long stop over? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baj Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 Personal experience? Long stop over? You take what you can get in his line of work... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_stevo Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 I heard Sol Campbell was engaged.....which surprised me. I'm sure Theo was happy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadoldgit Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 Why should it be assumed that people who are gay can't be "tough", play hard physical sports and do tough jobs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 Why should it be assumed that people who are gay can't be "tough", play hard physical sports and do tough jobs? I dont think anyone has assumed that... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadoldgit Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 So why the thread then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 So why the thread then? To ask the pertinent question as to why there are less "out" gay men in high profile sports that are deemed "hard" sports in the eyes of the public, such as Rugby and Football.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadoldgit Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 So what? Why in nearly 2010 do we still feel the need to define people by what they do with the private parts? Or not as the case might be? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 So what? Why in nearly 2010 do we still feel the need to define people by what they do with the private parts? Or not as the case might be? So you think its right that a gay man doesnt feel he can come out if he is a professional footballer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadoldgit Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 What difference does it make if he is gay or not? Isn't that the point. Do you feel the need to discuss your sexuality for tens of thousands of strangers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Master Bates Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 Sol Campbell apparently, was seeing some famous bloke when at Pompey anyway, just can't remember the guys name but is a clothes designer I think. Not Versace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nineteen Canteen Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 Personally, I think it is worrying that fans look at players from other teams and feel the need to question their sexuality. Personally, from watching a lot of football I wouldn't recognise a straight player from a gay one and woudl ask what are these fans looking at to draw such conclusions. Unfortunately, Homophobia is rife in football as our recent home game against Brighton showed and IMO it's not the fear of coming out to their team mates it's the fear of being outed to the crowd. I will admit I laughed at the chants from the Northam that day with shouts like 'Does your boyfriend know your here' but in hindsight its far from funny and akin to laughing at a banana being thrown on the pitch. Most of us our in this day and age are repulsed by racist chanting so why is it acceptable to alienate people simply because of their sexuality? As a ardent heterosexual (for want of a better term) I recoil at the sight of two blokes getting intimate in a Soap as much as I do at watching a graphic depiction of an operation on Holby City. It's simply not my cup of tea but I do not consider either morally wrong or reprehensible it's just something i would rather not know about in to much detail. If that is the case why would fans seek out to expose other players and I note no one on here has so far questioned the sexuality of any of our players and I don't recall any fan given Graeme Le Saux homophobic abuse whilst he wore a Saints shirt simply because he chose to read the Guardian. This not an issue about gay men in tough sports (Having recently undergone a barrium enema and full bowel xray) they are tough enough, but an issue about homophobia in the crowd and one or two latent homosexuals. The authorities kicked out racisim they now need to kick out homophobia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deppo Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 Well said, NC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seany S Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 A few months back there was an article in the Observer Sports Magazine, one of Eire's best, toughest hurling players (and believe me when I say that is one tough sport) has come out as gay. It was a cracking read, have nothing but respect for the guy, and the same goes for Gareth Thomas. Fair play to any sportsman who does come out, I say. But as others have mentioned, the majority of fans will not behave with the same decorum, respect and tolerance. And that is a shame in this day and age, where on the whole acceptance of homosexuality in mainstream society is a darn sight better than it was 20-30 years ago. That said, my money is still on Sol Campbell being a shirtlifter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank's cousin Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 Its interesting on two counts really - I agree with SOG in that I really dont see why there is this need to define anyone by their sexuality, but can also understand why many Gay people do feel the need to come out publically - I would guess that in part its also sticking two fingers up to all homophobes a reaction to those in society that still have an issue with it and the confidence it can bring in fighting prejudice. I also feel sorry for those who feel they need to come out just to prempt the media from making a big song and dance about it - to reclaim the moral high ground.... I blame religious nonsense...you only have to look at those so called US christian fundementalist nutters - and thats alot of them. About t5ime they practiced what they preached and 'started acting ...well... Christian I guess'. (Stolen from the great Bill HIcks) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deppo Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 Can we have a 'tough men in gay sports' thread please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deppo Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 Or even 'tough men in gay shorts'? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 I blame Maggie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doughnutman Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 Slightly ironic that at the bottom of the page there is an advert for all gay cruises... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonManager Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 Short gays in tough men? Maybe not eh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 Sol Campbell apparently, was seeing some famous bloke when at Pompey anyway, just can't remember the guys name but is a clothes designer I think. Not Versace. Keith Topshop? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the stain Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 Boy George? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 I heard Atticus Finch bats for the "other" team Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arizona Posted 21 December, 2009 Share Posted 21 December, 2009 Personal experience? Long stop over? You take what you can get in his line of work... No stop-overs for us. And some of the men I work with aren't exactly closet cases. They're out the closet, accross the landing, down the stairs, out the front door, accross the street looking at shoes in the window of House of Fraser. There's nothing wrong with it of course, it's just that there is an element of truth in certain stereotypes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 22 December, 2009 Share Posted 22 December, 2009 My cousin plays for The Leftfooters in the gay football league, although I would describe his particular style of play as 'dainty', I would definitely not wish to get in the way of their centre forwards tackles, he is a brute. http://www.leftfooters.org.uk/ They play all over the country and as one would expect are a great bunch of lads. My cousin helped to organise the Gay World Cup last year up at Latent Orient's ground. The chap on the right is a Millwall fan, DO NOT MESS WITH HIM. FACT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LatvianTolix Posted 22 December, 2009 Share Posted 22 December, 2009 The 10% rule applies to the population as a whole, but it will vary considerably within different jobs. For example airline stewards are probably about 50:50. Hairdressers maybe 75%+. To balance that out there will be less in some jobs. I was told by good friend of mine (lady working as flight attendant) that almost 90-95% of male attendants are gay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Banana Factor Posted 22 December, 2009 Share Posted 22 December, 2009 Sol Campbell apparently, was seeing some famous bloke when at Pompey anyway, just can't remember the guys name but is a clothes designer I think. Not Versace. Be a bit hard to be dating Versace now wouldnt it!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calvin Posted 22 December, 2009 Share Posted 22 December, 2009 why is the guy boasting about it to the media! I don't want to know if some guy is gay in a physical men sport. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadoldgit Posted 22 December, 2009 Share Posted 22 December, 2009 Its interesting on two counts really - I agree with SOG in that I really dont see why there is this need to define anyone by their sexuality, but can also understand why many Gay people do feel the need to come out publically - I would guess that in part its also sticking two fingers up to all homophobes a reaction to those in society that still have an issue with it and the confidence it can bring in fighting prejudice. I also feel sorry for those who feel they need to come out just to prempt the media from making a big song and dance about it - to reclaim the moral high ground.... I blame religious nonsense...you only have to look at those so called US christian fundementalist nutters - and thats alot of them. About t5ime they practiced what they preached and 'started acting ...well... Christian I guess'. (Stolen from the great Bill HIcks) I don't get the whole feeling the need to come out thing. Why do peope think that other people have a right to know about what they do with other people? Frankly I'd rather people kept their private life private. Why does this guy suddenly feel the need to tell us all about it? is it because his career is coming to an end and he thinks this will raise his profile and open the door to other jobs? Is it because he really cares about people in sport who are troubled about their sexuality? Hmmm. I can understand why some people might struggle with telling friends and family...but the whole world? Why go there? Who really cares nowdays? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nineteen Canteen Posted 22 December, 2009 Share Posted 22 December, 2009 why is the guy boasting about it to the media! I don't want to know if some guy is gay in a physical men sport. Perhaps he feels he needs to try and help overcome the prejudice that has led him to live a lie to himself for his entire life and no doubt upset a few people close to him along the way. You don't want to know if some guy is gay in a physical men's sport, Why? Do you think they'll start getting it on during a game like we all do during our working lives with those of the gender we find attractive? The guy is not 'boasting' about it, he is coming out partly in an attempt to overcome people like you with homophobic attitudes and I guess he has more guts and courage in his little pinky than you have in your entire body. I know in a battle which one I would want on my side. It won't be the likes of you frightened to tackle someone because they might be 'gay'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nineteen Canteen Posted 22 December, 2009 Share Posted 22 December, 2009 I don't get the whole feeling the need to come out thing. Why do peope think that other people have a right to know about what they do with other people? Frankly I'd rather people kept their private life private. Why does this guy suddenly feel the need to tell us all about it? is it because his career is coming to an end and he thinks this will raise his profile and open the door to other jobs? Is it because he really cares about people in sport who are troubled about their sexuality? Hmmm. I can understand why some people might struggle with telling friends and family...but the whole world? Why go there? Who really cares nowdays?[/QUOTE] My guess is he wants to be seen as someone who helped draw the line under homophobia in sport and that may help him come to terms with the fact that he through his own denial has obviously mislead and upset a lot of poeple close to him along the way. I agree that if Homosexuality in sport was more widely accepted as it is in politics and entertainment for example then the need to 'out' yourself would be far less compelling or necessary but my guess is that many sportsmen feel bitter, angry and ashamed that they cannot lead the life they would like simply because of homophobia that is rife on the terraces more so I suspect than in the team. Even in SMS we still get racist chants despite years of dramatic improvements and perhaps that path needs to to be walked for homophobia as there is no difference between the two except social acceptance and it is still acceptable to question a person's 'human status and abilities' based on their preference for same sex relationships. The word gay is acceptable in schools to suggest 'weakness or femininity' like the question, 'Are you Gay?' and should be as socially acceptable as calling someone the 'P word' or 'N word' to deliver a very derogative insult. I think he has come out to help nudge society in the right direction and for that I think he should be applauded for his courage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff leopard Posted 22 December, 2009 Share Posted 22 December, 2009 Why should it be assumed that people who are gay can't be "tough", play hard physical sports and do tough jobs? Because we've got two painfully old stereotypes at work, that tough guys are all straight, and gay folks are limp-wristed dandies. I'm no rugby fan but Gareth Thomas has done a great thing here. Yes, he waited until he knew his coming out wouldn't harm his career or his place in hearts of Welsh men and women, but its still incredibly rare for sportsmen to come out. Hopefully now it will be a bit easier for the next generation of sports men and women to be open about who they are. And maybe, just maybe, sports crowds will have long since stopped giggling about homosexuality like a bunch of primary school children Whenever you get lots of men together without women (in a sports team or an institution) you inevitably get a certain amount of man on man love (either platonic or sexual), and titanic amounts of denial/guilt and self-loathing which is projected externally. Just remember, homophobes are self-hating homosexuals who don't have the courage to come out. And I should know (:smt089 i hate myself so much) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 22 December, 2009 Share Posted 22 December, 2009 the fact that this seems to be "news" itself tells us that being gay in popular sports is still "different" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekelund24 Posted 22 December, 2009 Share Posted 22 December, 2009 Ian Roberts an Aussie Rugby League player was gay, beat up, I think, a teammate for gay jibes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nadia Sllim Posted 27 December, 2009 Share Posted 27 December, 2009 The world hide and seek champion is gay , he has just come out of the closet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deppo Posted 27 December, 2009 Share Posted 27 December, 2009 The world hide and seek champion is gay , he has just come out of the closet! That's a straight red. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 27 December, 2009 Share Posted 27 December, 2009 The world hide and seek champion is gay , he has just come out of the closet! Maddie McCann is gay!? *Disclaimer: If you were offended by this comment, I apologise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziggy Posted 28 December, 2009 Share Posted 28 December, 2009 I was at the Cardiff v Newport game yesterday and when Gareth Thomas came on as a sub he got a massive cheer and ovation from the crowd. I also didn't hear one gay comment from any of the Newport fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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