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without being inherently homophobic, however unintentional that may be. If there must be an interest in the partners and private lives of footballers, it shouldn’t be gender specific. Women’s football is significantly more inclusive, with plenty of out players. That’s perhaps because it’s started with a cleaner slate and isn’t steeped in anywhere near as much tradition, nor is it dragged down by any notion of forced masculinity.
“The subject of being gay, bi or queer in men’s football is still a taboo,” Jake Daniels said in his big interview with Sky Sports. “I think it comes down to how a lot of footballers want to be known for their masculinity. And people see being gay as being weak, something you can be picked on for on the football field.”
“But because no-one has done it, no-one has had the confidence to do it yet, I want to be that role model to maybe push people to feel able to come out. That’s what I’m hoping for. Because I’m younger, I’m hoping they look at me and think ‘if this kid’s brave enough to do this, then I feel like I can as well.”
“I just want to do this for other people. Maybe if there are Premier League footballers who are gay and want to come out, I want someone to contact me and ask how it’s been, what has the reaction been like. I want to help other people. If a Premier League footballer does come out, that would be amazing, and I’d feel like I’ve done my job and I’ve inspired someone else to do that. We shouldn’t be where we are right now.”
He’s right. The lack of out gay footballers in the men’s game is quite simply embarrassing and it should be
a hugely uncomfortable truth for us all, whatever we identify ourselves as. Which is why Jake’s news made me so happy. I sincerely hope he is the first of many to
so freely (and proudly) announce who they are,
and that it proves a landmark moment in modern British football. Two Scottish referees, Craig Napier and Lloyd Wilson, came out in the weeks that followed Daniels’ announcement.
“It’s an easy thing for people to target,” Jake said of the potential homophobic abuse he’ll receive now that fans know his sexuality. “The way I see it is that I am playing football and they are shouting stuff at me, but they are paying to watch me play football and I am living my life and making money from it. So, shout what you want, it’s not going to make a difference. I won’t stop people from saying that stuff, I just need to learn how to not let it affect me.”
I sincerely hope that when we do play Blackpool, Jake Daniels’ name receives a massive, warm-hearted cheer. I reckon there’ll be at least one SAFC fan in the vicinity and perhaps one of our own playing or coaching staff, questioning their own identity. Someone who could do with a little burst of support and a friendly nudge in the right direction. Daniels might claim he can brush abuse off, but that shouldn’t be seen as an invite, nor a sign that such abuse is in any way acceptable.
We like to claim we have the best fans in the land. Treating Jake and anyone who follows confidently in his footsteps with appropriate respect would be a superb way to prove it. The supportive comments ALS’s first story on Jake gathered on social media shows we’ve definitely
got it in us. Thanks to him, I stood cheering the Lads on at Wembley much more comfortable about who I am
and how I fit. When we get the chance, let’s show him what a hugely positive step he’s made not only for his own future, but British football’s. If Sunderland fans know anything, it’s that you can’t help who you fall in love with.
ALOVESUPREME
ISSUE259
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BY STEPHEN DOBIE