People assume I can’t like football because I’m gay

There’s that look again.

Usually, when I start talking football to someone I’ve met at a party, their eyes narrow and their lips pinch.

They know I’m gay – I seem to wear it like a diaphanous pashmina, all excitable hand gestures and lisping luvviness. But gay and likes football? No, that’s not possible.

They look suspicious, like you’re having them on; the look an adult gives a children’s magician presenting a deck of cards. They’re trying to work out the ruse, bracing for the punchline.

Or worse, they think I’m trying to be straight for their benefit, eyes widening with embarrassment.

The suspense is only deflated when I offer my two pence worth, something only a genuine fan would appreciate: ‘Man City had the harder run-in, but even after bottling it against Liverpool at home they still managed to win the title.’

Their face lights up in recognition and everyone can relax!

But being gay and liking football isn’t as niche as you might think.

I play in a team full of them for a start, having joined the London Titans, a gay-friendly football club, in the summer of 2008. It’s not exclusively gay, some straight players seem to enjoy it too, but cup an ear to the changing rooms and the ‘Bitch, please…’ banter will leave you in no doubt.

By the way, nothing like that happens in the showers, more’s the pity.

To celebrate 50 years of Pride, Metro.co.uk has teamed up with Kyiv Pride to raise money for their important work in Ukraine.

Despite war raging around them, Kyiv Pride continue to help LGBTQ+ people, offering those in need shelter, food and psychological support.

We will be splitting the cash with a grassroots charity closer to home.

You can donate here

But why not play for a straight or ‘normal’ team? Well, the social side was a