Premium Content:

Former professional soccer player Thomas Beattie comes out as gay

Former professional soccer player Thomas Beattie has revealed he is a gay man, becoming the first UK star to come out as LGBTIQ+ since Justin Fashanu in 1990.

- Advertisement -

The 33-year-old played for the youth squad of Hull FC, taking his skills around the world to the US, Singapore and Canada for more than a decade.

Speaking to ESPN, Beattie tells the story of having to live in the closet throughout his career, and why he’s decided to share who he is now.

“Of all the things I’ve achieved or accomplished, the pursuit of mastering myself has been the most liberating,” Beattie said.

“So I’m able to say it out loud now for everyone to hear: My name is Thomas Beattie. I’m a brother, son, friends, former professional footballer, entrepreneur and annoyingly competitive lad.”

“I’m a lot of things, and one of them is gay.”

Beattie also speaks of the few visible LGBTIQ+ players in the soccer world, US player Robbie Rogers, German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger and Justin Fashanu; the first to come out in 1990.

Here in Australia, former A-League star Andy Brennan made history last year when he became the first Australian soccer player to come out as LGBTIQ+.

The former Newcastle Jets star, who now plays for Green Gully in Melbourne, spoke honestly about his sexuality in an essay for Professional Footballers Australia.

“Firstly, it is really important for me to say that the main reason I am doing this is to make me feel most comfortable about who I am,” the 26-year-old wrote, “It has taken a long time to come to this point.”

“But I couldn’t be happier that despite taking so long, ruminating over this decision for so many years and being entirely unsure about myself, I can finally come out and say it.”


Love OUTinPerth Campaign

Help support the publication of OUTinPerth by contributing to our
GoFundMe campaign.

 

Latest

‘English Teacher’ is back for a second series

Brian Jordan Alvarez is back as teacher Evan Marquez in the Disney comedy series.

King Princess embraces the chaos on new album ‘Girl Violence’

Mikaela Straus speaks to OUTinPerth about making their new album, branching into acting, and tabloid rumours.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New tracks from Jett Blyton, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Frost Children and Kim Petras, and Lola Young.  

On This Gay Day | Australia updated passport gender rules

The changes were brought in by the Gillard Labor government.

Newsletter

Don't miss

‘English Teacher’ is back for a second series

Brian Jordan Alvarez is back as teacher Evan Marquez in the Disney comedy series.

King Princess embraces the chaos on new album ‘Girl Violence’

Mikaela Straus speaks to OUTinPerth about making their new album, branching into acting, and tabloid rumours.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New tracks from Jett Blyton, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Frost Children and Kim Petras, and Lola Young.  

On This Gay Day | Australia updated passport gender rules

The changes were brought in by the Gillard Labor government.

Darren Hayes gives update on his recovery

The singer is making progress after breaking his jaw earlier this year.

‘English Teacher’ is back for a second series

Brian Jordan Alvarez is back as teacher Evan Marquez in the Disney comedy series.

King Princess embraces the chaos on new album ‘Girl Violence’

Mikaela Straus speaks to OUTinPerth about making their new album, branching into acting, and tabloid rumours.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New tracks from Jett Blyton, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Frost Children and Kim Petras, and Lola Young.