Euro 2022: LGBTQ+ visibility in refreshing contrast to Qatar World Cup

International tournaments are a wonderful opportunity for people from all corners of the globe to come together with one shared passion: the beautiful game.

In women’s football, fans have created an almost family-like community, in which there is support in abundance. Particularly when it comes to promoting equality.

Being part of the LGBTQ+ community is not just accepted, but celebrated. Women’s football is a stage for breaking stigmas and encouraging people to be their true selves, with some of the game’s biggest trailblazers out and proud.

When Euro 2022 kicks off in England this summer, fans will flock to some of the world’s most famous stadiums, including Old Trafford and Wembley.

Tickets to the final have sold out and are very limited  for other fixtures. This year’s attendance numbers are expected to shatter the record from Euro 2017, giving LGBTQ+ visibility an unprecedented international platform.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the men’s World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Qatar this November.

The difference in queer representation in the men’s and women’s game has always been worlds apart.

There is a large amount of publicly gay women’s players who have become icons within the LGBTQ+ community. Many are looked up to for how effortlessly they are able to be themselves and how open they are about their relationships.

This is not just down to the players choosing to come out either. Without the support of their fans, the confidence to be out and proud would certainly be minimised.

But between the players and fans, a safe haven has been created in the women’s football community where individuals feel comfortable being who they are.

In contrast, the only real moments of acceptance in the