The impact of sexual orientation on one's life is impossible to understate. People treat others differently based on who they love and how they present themselves. Although the world is making large strides in terms of respecting individuals from the LGBT community, we collectively have a long way to go. Discrimination, acceptance, and representation—these elements permeate the modern discussion of sports. That's why we are going to look at the current state of football and show how orientation can impact one's career outcomes.
LGBT discrimination and impacts on sport
Gender-based discrimination in sports has been a severe problem for quite some time. That is why some professional organizations have existed for over a century and never had an “out” trans player on their team. Not only do the individuals on the team treat them differently at the professional level, but many of the LGBT people are discouraged from playing at the outset of their playing career. Secondary schools face lawsuits, and the children who want to play their sport as members of the LGBT community are caught in a firestorm.
It's safe to say that discrimination has made many LGBT people, especially the latter, feel completely unwelcome in sports. That has probably robbed the world of many great sports players throughout history. Fortunately, the modern world is dealing with the complexities of this issue by establishing rules that allow trans people to play sports at professional and Olympic levels. That doesn't mean transgender people don't feel abandoned or lonely at times, though; the sport still takes its toll.
How TG footballers can deal with loneliness
Transgender footballers are rather rare these days, at least at the professional level. That does not mean that you can't find them or that they are not facing difficulties. The downside is that many TG people don't feel comfortable interacting with others in highly visible places. Fortunately, transgender footballers are looking to allay their loneliness by making use of the proper TG dating sites. Choosing a dating service that emphasizes the needs of transgender people allows trans individuals to focus on a smaller group of people who are actively seeking dates. That way, they can find partners from a dating pool primed to accept them, providing the best chances of successful romances taking root. Finding a romantic partner using online dating can help with loneliness, but it's also important to have other support. Online forums for trans people looking for acceptance and support are great places for trans individuals to spend time together away from prying eyes. Football players are often on the road, so using the internet for love or friendship is a great idea.
Famous TG sports players
When we look at the top transgender footballers these days, it's important to remember that there are simply not too many of them who are “out” these days. Of course, professional players have to disclose that they are trans to their teams, and the spotlight of being a professional typically makes it hard to hide their identity even if they wish to. Many strides are being taken to welcome all LGBT people into football these days, though. No time has ever existed where people of all genders are being welcomed into the sport. Take a look at three different trans players who are making changing the paradigm of modern sports.
- Jaiyah Saelua
Jaiyah Saelua is the first openly transgender person to win a FIFA World Cup qualifier match. Her career started in 2004 and continued up until 2019; she's going to continue playing for the foreseeable future. As a Samoan, she has identified as a Fa'afafine, a third gender present in that culture. Jaiyah is representing all sorts of landmarks in football!
- Kumi Yokoyama
Kumi Yokoyama is a Japanese member of the National Women's Soccer League who recently came out and said they are transgender and wish to return home and live as a man once their career is finished.
- Quinn
The Canadian footballer Quinn, a mononym, has recently made history by becoming the first openly trans individual playing in the Summer Olympics. As a result of the match between Canada and Sweden, Quinn became the first trans individual to win a medal in the Olympic games ever. Although Quinn took place in the games in Rio de Janeiro, they had not come out at the time.
These players are all brave for being the barrier-breakers these days, and they'll be remembered for their efforts!
Being trans in sports is very difficult. However, the world is starting to change and become more open to these individuals. As a result, we might see more trans people coming out to play football professionally. That will jumpstart the conversation on trans issues and rules, making for a more welcoming world in the future.
