Lately, more and more public figures come out as gay, no matter if they’re an actor or a singer, or a football player. However, being gay in a world that still put labels on people, can be twice as hard for a footballer. Take Cristiano Ronaldo who faces homophobic chants just because some rumors say he’s gay.
The soccer superstar has recently been called ‘maricón’ – a homophobic slur meaning “faggot” – at a match between Real Madrid and Barcelona. A representative from The Spanish LGBT Observatory pointed out that “these deplorable and shameful acts are punishable according to the law of Sport (2007).”
While Spain has a State Commission against Violence in Sport that can punish federations, clubs and supporters who express violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance, Mexico soccer players have launched a campaign to stop these acts.
Abrazados por el Fútbol, or ‘Embraced by Football’ is a campaign meant to determine people stop being violent verbally or physically. The message of the campaign is clearly against all kinds of discrimination.
“The united will of fans, players, technical bodies, managers, sponsors and associations we want to become a single voice that talk of respect and inclusion and do not judge, preach or censored.”
The video of the campaign include Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, captain and defender Rafael Marquez and midfielder Andres Guardado who militate for “a more peaceful environment, more familiar and more secure for all and all who love this sport.”
Take a look at this amazing video!
