Megan Rapinoe: Male footballers 'don't feel safe' to come out as gay

USA World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe says that male athletes don’t feel ‘safe’ enough to come out as gay due to fears of abuse. Rapinoe, who has become a sporting icon for LGBTQ+ rights, believes it is much easier for women in sport to be open about their sexuality and called on people to create a similar safe space for men.

Ad/> «To everyone in the sporting culture,” she told Sky Sports. “You have a responsibility to think about what you're saying and ensure that you're creating an environment that's welcoming and open.

Women's Champions LeagueArsenal and Wolfsburg achieve perfect balance — The Warm-UpAN HOUR AGO »We get asked all the time — why aren't there more out male athletes in elite sport? It's because they don't feel safe. They feel like they're going to get abuse from fans, they're going to be kicked off teams, have slurs thrown at them, whatever it is.

«It's safer on the women's side — we have a lot of camaraderie between ourselves and people coming out, which makes it easier for everyone. But I would say from sporting directors to club owners, to fans and players, it's your responsibility also.» Rapinoe, 36, came out in 2012 and has been heavily involved in activism for gay rights since.

In the men’s game, Adelaide United’s Josh Cavallo made global headlines when he came out last year, becoming the only currently out gay footballer playing in any of the world’s top leagues. Arsenal and Wolfsburg achieve perfect balance — The Warm-Up Chelsea allowed to sell tickets again after government alters licence Forster called up to England squad for the first time since 2017 In contrast, Rapinoe is among a number of high-profile LGBTQ+ players at the highest level of the women’s game, including Chelsea duo and partners