I stopped playing sport – until I discovered gay teams exist
London a few years ago, I said yes but was a little apprehensive.This was the first time I would play for a team that wasn’t LGBTQ+ since I’d come out as gay 12 years ago, and I knew they’d probably assume I was straight – as is the default, unless I tell people otherwise.Match-day came, we played well, won fairly comfortably and then hit the clubhouse for some celebratory beers.
It came to my round and I ordered a load of half-pints, but there was a hitch.‘We don’t do half-pints here mate,’ said the barman.Guys who’ve tried to order a half-pint of beer in a pub will be familiar with this line of ‘banter’. ‘Ah, well we’re all driving,’ I replied.He shot back: ‘Well alright then, but I’m gonna have to take your picture and put it on the gay wall.’There it is – that dreaded moment of casual homophobia so common to male sports teams.
Do I or don’t I say something? I looked round at my new teammates to check their response, and was honestly torn over what to do.Would the captain – my friend, who knows I’m gay – say anything?
Would anyone else? I didn’t want the comment to slide, but looking around, I knew what challenging it in that environment could mean.I shared a knowing look with my friend and felt the unspoken judgement about how to deal with the situation.
