The LGBTQ+ Minority in European Men’s Football: An Overview
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18778/1427-9657.13.04Keywords:
LGBT, homophobia, football, LGBT in football, Bundesliga, Premier LeagueAbstract
The European football environment is a heterogeneous, loosely-knit community marked by numerous differences stemming from cultural, historical, and legal backgrounds. This article is inspired by personal observations and the evident need to investigate the formation of LGBTQ+ communities within the fan and footballer environment. The paper addresses this extensive topic and aims to initiate a discussion on the circumstances under which LGBTQ+ individuals consolidate within football fans and players. The emancipation of a discriminated minority within its own environment must prove itself and, due to a number of factors, occurs and evolves in various ways. In football, the reference to LGBTQ+ and their grouping is particularly noticeable due to the insular nature of a still heavily masculinised environment, where gay, lesbian, transgender, and queer individuals are marginalised.
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