World’s only openly gay active pro footballer is concerned for LGBTQ community ahead of Qatar 2022, and says he is more likely to die at the hands of racists than homophobic thugs.
“But you can have as much pride and as much dignity as you want – as far as I’m concerned it’s your decision and to take it or leave it.”
And speaking exclusively to Metro, he revealed the importance of his sexuality and how it has kept him going since he was 11.
The 33-year-old is only now beginning to share his “come out”.
The Australian is one of only 11 openly gay players in world football.
He is hoping his story will help boost the morale of others, but says it will “definitely” backfire if it’s not received properly.
Speaking to Metro, he said: “I think it’s an issue, particularly for the LGBTQ community to be honest with you, it’s a sensitive issue to talk about.
“It’s not something that everyone can talk about, and I’m here now to help other people understand it.
“I’ve experienced discrimination myself as well, and it’s hurt me, it’s hurt me a lot, and I don’t want to put anyone at risk of harm or anything like that.
“I never went to a protest march and I never will go to a protest march because I don’t want to put anyone at risk of harm.
“But you can have as much pride and as much dignity as you want – as far as I’m concerned it’s your decision and to take it or leave it”.
“So I am proud of myself that I’ve come out. But I want people who are scared, or are unsure that, like if somebody was saying homophobic comments or things like that, that person could be threatened.”
It’s been three years since he has come out, and he admits that he knows what is waiting for him and his family in Qatar.
His father had a massive heart operation in 2008 and he was afraid he’d never make it back from
