Being openly LGBTQ+ in football is still something we mostly only see in the women’s game and only ever at lower levels in the men’s, if we see it all.

Here we cover issues that impact LGBTQ+ in football (and, occasionally, we might touch on other sports too)

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“With social issues, I think as footballers we have a massive platform that we should be using way more than we actually are. I know it is very comfortable to just sit at home and stay with your family, your kids and your friends and not think about anything, but with the platform we have, we should be the people that scream at these social issues and out them out there, so as a society we can move forward.” Hector Bellerin

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Jordan Henderson of Liverpool wears a rainbow captains armband as clubs show their support to the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on November 27, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The convenient LGBTQ allyship of Jordan Henderson

Jordan Henderson leaves behind his vocal LGBTQ+ allyship after moving to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, raising questions about the genuineness of his support.
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Arsenal champions LGBTQ+ rights during Pride Month

Arsenal embraces diversity and inclusion as the club passionately supports Pride Month, working continuously to create a welcoming environment for all.
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: General view outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brentford FC at Emirates Stadium on February 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Arsenal ban 31 abusive supporters

Arsenal takes a firm stand against abusive and discriminatory behaviour, handing three-year bans to 31 members and season ticket holders.
One Love bracelet pictured ahead of a soccer game between Belgium's national team the Red Devils and Canada, in Group F of the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Al Rayyan, State of Qatar on Wednesday 23 November 2022. BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY (Photo by BRUNO FAHY / BELGA MAG / Belga via AFP) (Photo by BRUNO FAHY/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

Leah Williamson: We’re trying to have a positive impact on society

England women's football captain, Leah Williamson, has said her squad will stand for inclusivity, highlighting the importance of "standing in solidarity" with those facing discrimination.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 23: Close Up of the Captains 1 Love (One Love) armband of Germany during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 3 match between Germany and Hungary at Red Bull Arena on September 23, 2022 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Germany consider legal action over FIFA OneLove armband ban

The German Football Association (DFB) are considering taking legal action against FIFA after the sport's governing body banned teams from wearing a OneLove captain's armband.
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UEFA forced into LGBTQ+ rainbow armband climbdown

UEFA have been forced to close down an investigation into Manuel Neuer's rainbow armband after it was decided the rainbow is not political but a symbol for diversity.