LGBTQ+ & Women's Football

People who are part of the LGBTQ+ community often tend to find places where they can be accepted and not be persecuted for their choice of lifestyle. There's no such thing as a universal place that everyone goes to.

If there is an activity that can definitely unite the community and evidence shows it; it's the game of football. More specifically, women's football.

There are several people in the large tent dressed as Keira Knightley’s character in "Bend it Like Beckham" – a movie beloved by queer people, and which is particularly popular with lesbians.

Elsewhere in the space, there are a number of Sporty Spice – of the Spice Girls fame – lookalikes wearing sweatpants, their hair scraped back into high ponytails. While Sporty Spice herself, otherwise known as Melanie Chisholm, is not gay, she holds a special place in the hearts of many gay women. Carabiners hang off the belt loops of those queuing at a bar and there are Pride flags being hoisted into the air.

Everywhere you look, there are queer signifiers.

This is Ball Together Now, an inclusive soccer festival for women and marginalised genders that was founded in 2022. It has yielded three successful events across the summers of 2023, 2024 and 2025. Non-professional teams from all over the United Kingdom and sometimes even further afield, gather in Manchester and play football by day, before partying by night.

Many of the shirts worn by the teams are emblazoned with rainbows and many others adorn the names of Lionesses – the England women’s national football team – stars. There's no doubt that this is a distinctly gay event and one that reflects the significance of women’s football for LGBTQ+ people.

The women’s game has developed a reputation for being something of a haven for gay people – and Ball Together Now is a prominent example of that.

"I’ve never seen so many lesbians all in one tent!” Lois Kay, one of the organisers of Ball Together Now, said. "Our space is for everyone and anyone that feels it is a space for them. The fundamentals of BTN (Ball Together Now) are to ensure that inclusion is at the forefront of what we do. We wanted to create something that also specifically included trans and non-binary players."

The festival even hosted its own "Blind Date," in which LGBTQ+ football players looking for love were set up with potential matches, and the event was received with rapturous applause and laughter from its audience of other sweaty and muddy players looking to wind down after a day of hard-fought contests.

"Arsenal women’s games are the only place you’d find as many lesbians and queer women as you would at Pride!" Emily Calder, an Arsenal women’s fan said. Calder attended the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euros with her girlfriend, in which England, who she was supporting, emerged victorious to repeat and defend its title.

Calder has been a Gunners fan since childhood and remembers, when she was a kid, asking her father if, "girls were allowed to play" for the club. Throughout the years, though, she gradually felt that the environment at men’s games was not always a particularly friendly one and as she got older, she drifted away from the sport.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup reignited her love for football, however and she was, "bitten by the bug."

Calder now regularly watches key members of the successful England squad – from captain, Leah Williamson, to clutch 2025 Euros penalty-taker, Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead – play for Arsenal women at the Emirates Stadium in north London. She says she finds the atmosphere at women’s games much more welcoming to queer women than the men’s matches she grew up attending.

"There’s a shocking difference in the culture around the women’s game compared to the men’s. There are so many out gay women players and so few in the men’s game," Calder adds.

Indeed, while a number of prominent players in the Women’s Super League – England women’s top-flight in football – and the National Women’s Soccer League in the US are gay, there are still very few out queer players in the top divisions within the men’s game. For example, there are currently no out LGBTQ+ players in the English Premier League, the most-watched soccer league in the world.

Having seen ‘very toxic’ climates in NFL locker rooms, this player is leading change with LGBTQ-targeted youth football camp

Josh Cavallo, a gay Australian football player who came out in 2021, recently told BBC Sport that, "being gay in men’s soccer is a very toxic place." He says he receives daily death threats and abuse on social media. When he told the public he was gay, he became the only openly gay top-flight male professional footballer in the world.

Instances of homophobic events are not uncommon in men’s soccer in both Europe and the US.

In June, two high profile players in France’s top division, Ligue 1, were handed bans for concealing the anti-homophobia badge on their club’s shirts. A fiery match between the US men’s national team (USMNT) and Mexico in 2023 had to end early because of homophobic chanting – an issue seen across a number of football leagues throughout recent years.

In sharp contrast, some of the world’s most famous women’s football players are out. Christen Press and Tobin Heath, who both starred for the US women’s national team (USWNT), are a married couple. Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead, who used to be team-mates at Arsenal, are in a relationship and even joked about the awkwardness of having to face each other as rivals for the Netherlands and England, respectively, at the 2025 Euros.

According to PinkNews, at least 78 players that competed at the 2025 Women’s Euros were out. Each nation’s squad included 23 players and 16 teams were present at the tournament, making up 368 players in total. That means that more than 1 in 5 competitors (or over 20%) at the 2025 Euros were out – a significant number. In a 2023 survey conducted by Ipsos across 30 countries around the world, 3% on average identified as lesbian or gay, while the average share of LGBTQ+ population averaged to 9%. Comparing to figures from the 2025 Euros, the numbers provide evidence that women’s soccer is a particularly unique space for queer people.

The relatively common sight of high-profile women’s football players being in relationships with team-mates or their opponents, is often a draw for LGBTQ+ people with no previous interest in the sport on any level – women’s or men’s.

"Lots of queer friends have come with me to Arsenal women’s games over the last few years, who weren’t remotely into soccer before, and that’s partly because the games have become kinds of queer gatherings," Calder said. "Now, they’re hardened fans themselves."

Women’s football’s reputation as a gay hotspot is also evident in the number of LGBTQ+ venues across the UK that now host crossover events that combine football and gay nightlife.

Women’s football has played a pivotal role in enhancing LGBTQ+ representation. The sport’s inclusive culture allows players to embrace their identities openly and serve as role models for fans and aspiring athletes. This visibility is vital for young people who may be grappling with their identities, showing them that they can achieve their dreams without concealing who they are.

Megan Rapinoe, one of the most prominent faces in women’s football in recent years and a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has often spoken about the importance of being visible. She came out publicly in 2012 and has since used her platform to advocate for equality.

Rapinoe has also showed the courage of her convictions, notably refusing to visit the White House under President Donald Trump after winning the World Cup in 2019 due to his views on LGBTQ+ rights, stating:

A significant aspect of women’s football is its commitment to creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ athletes. Many clubs and national teams actively promote inclusivity, ensuring that players are supported regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This supportive environment enables athletes to perform at their best without fear of discrimination. Casey Stoney, an openly gay ex-England footballer and now manager, has highlighted the importance of these inclusive environments.

Recent disturbing events on social media have underscored the importance of creating and maintaining inclusive environments. US Women’s National Team and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, Korbin Albert, faced public backlash after re-posting homophobic and transphobic content on TikTok. USWNT veterans such as Megan Rapinoe and Sam Mewis publicly condemned her actions, emphasising that the USWNT has always been a safe space for everyone.

Rapinoe shared on her Instagram: "… [Are you] bringing out the best in anyone? Because if you aren’t, all you believe in is hate. And kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake, TF up!"

The incident sparked widespread condemnation and highlighted the need for ongoing education and advocacy within the sport. It also carried added significance as Albert now wears the number 15 jersey, which Megan Rapinoe once wore, symbolising a legacy of inclusivity and acceptance. Rapinoe signed off her statement with, 'Yours truly, #15.'

This controversy has shown there is more work to be done in creating a safe environment within women’s football. Beth Mead, an openly gay footballer for England and Arsenal, has expressed optimism about the future.

"The progress we’ve made is incredible, but there’s still work to be done. I believe that as we continue to support each other and push for equality, we’ll create an even more inclusive and accepting environment."

Positive representation within the sport continues to inspire and uplift the LGBTQ+ community. Magdalena Eriksson and Pernille Harder, an openly gay couple who both play for FC Bayern Munich, have become symbols of love and acceptance in women’s football. Their openness about their relationship has helped normalise same-sex relationships in sports and beyond. Eriksson has said:

"Being able to be open about our relationship has been incredibly empowering, not just for us but for many others who see us as role models."

The couple made headlines with their kiss after Sweden knocked out Canada during the 2019 World Cup, with Pernille donning their rival countries’ jersey in the crowd in support of her partner. A moment that was celebrated globally and showcased the importance of LGBTQ+ relationships in sports. When speaking to the Guardian, Eriksson said:

"I think that’s when I felt the demand for role models in that way, because of how big it was and how many people wrote to me on Instagram saying they looked up to us and how much we’d helped them. That’s when I understood that we’re really powerful together."

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was hailed as the most 'out' football tournament ever, with a record number of openly LGBTQ+ players, approximately 13% being openly part of the LGBTQ+ community. This visibility on such a global stage was a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation in sports. The tournament showcased the strength and diversity of women’s football, highlighting the sport’s role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.

While women’s football has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ representation, men’s football still lags. There are currently no openly gay male footballers in the Premier League, reflecting a persistent stigma and fear of discrimination. This stark contrast underscores the importance of women’s football as a safe space where athletes can express their true identities without fear.

Women’s football is more than just a game. It’s a part of society that has a high concentration of queer role models and is an example of the power that sport holds. Men’s football can learn plenty from the women’s side but changing the deep-rooted attitudes in what can be a toxic environment is taxing. It relies on fans, players and clubs all being open, willing to learn and to change. Without the cohesion that the women’s game has, men’s football could stay stuck in its homophobic culture for a while yet.

Women’s football serves as a crucial vehicle for promoting LGBTQ+ visibility, acceptance and empowerment. Through the courage and advocacy of openly queer footballers, the sport has become a symbol of inclusivity and a source of inspiration for many. As the women’s game continues to rise, its impact on the LGBTQ+ community will undoubtedly grow, fostering a more inclusive and accepting world for all.

Pride in women’s football extends far beyond Pride Month, embodying a year-round commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting acceptance. It’s not just about colourful events but about creating lasting change and affirming the right of LGBTQ+ individuals to live openly and authentically. This ongoing celebration is integral to how queer people live their lives, providing a sense of belonging and visibility that transcends the boundaries of the pitch.

I have always believed (and said) that sport has the power to unite people. It can provide a safe haven for those who aren't quite ready to come out. I am a bit baffled by the differences in coming out when it comes to male and females. Everyone should be treated equally, no matter the lifestyle they chose.

There's no need for any homophobic prejudice and discrimination. We are all human beings at the end of the day.