Professional athletes coming out

On the topic of LGBT athletes coming out to the public during their active career is somewhat of a hot potato subject where we have seen a few cases in the media recently. It can be argued that athletes' sexuality, gay or straight, should stay out of the limelight and the focus should be on the sport itself. Lost endorsements, bad publicity, locker room and fan harassment are some of the potential negative ramifications the athlete and/or their team will probably have to deal with after a public outing of a gay or lesbian athlete.

However, with that said, at the stage where we are at right now, a few public athletes have already proclaimed their sexuality in the media. Buzz, rumors, media exposure (good and bad) is out there. The door to a more transparent and accepting sport culture has been slightly opened, do we really want to close it shut again? Yes, there will be harassment. Yes, there will be outraged fans and fellow teammates/athletes. But, will that last forever? Or until all LGBT athletes have been shoved back in the closet? In my mind, the world, and the US in particular, is way too open minded for that to be the case.

In Sweden, to some known as one of the most gender equal countries in the world, a young man and soccer player named Anton Hysen came out as gay. He was only at the start of his career, 20 years old and playing second division soccer when he decided to openly talk about his sexuality in the media. What made the case special and resonate with the whole country, as well the whole soccer scene in Europe, was that his father is former soccer giant Glenn Hysen (of for example Liverpool FC and Swedish mens' national team). Since coming out publicly, Anton has become a national phenomenon. He has appeared (and won) in popular TV program Dancing with the Stars, makes public appearances and speeches about acceptance in sports.

I truly believe brave men and women taking it upon themselves like this, risking their career, reputation and a whole lot more, is necessary for us to be able to one day look at a gay public athlete as just one of the guys/girls. It is a fight well worth it, for current and future LGBT athletes and for a more accepting and open sport community.

When interviewed right after he came out, Anton questioned why there are so few male soccer players who are openly gay with the words: "Where the hell is everyone else?". Probably waiting for their active career to over, unfortunately.


I. Kantoft
LT24
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