04/19/24
August 11, 2004
You don't have to play it straight.: "Football has always been the preserve of red-blooded, heterosexual men, right? Think again. As the new season kicks off, Simon Fanshawe investigates how the beautiful game is being embraced by the gay community both on and off the pitch, bringing about a significant shift in the way many gay men think of themselves. Just don't suggest it's only because they like looking at the players' legs." I don't think this article will help the view of soccer in the US (yes, I've heard all the homophobic comments spouted by the meatheads), but I liked it anyway.
posted by worldcup2002 to soccer at 11:45 AM - 11 comments
It's a good article because it shows how badly people stereotype and pigeonhole other groups. Not all gay men act like Queer Eye actors, surprise! I do find it a little bit funny that there are now gay guys acting "straight" to go along with straight guys acting "gay."
posted by dusted at 01:46 AM on August 12, 2004
Gays at the football? Fine. Just as long as they don't start letting women in.
posted by squealy at 03:21 AM on August 12, 2004
This may explain why MANCHESTer United (better known as Man U) are the most popular football team worldwide. hehe.
posted by worldcup2002 at 01:13 PM on August 12, 2004
Of course, to a Kiwi, the idea that soccer is a rough, tough, man's sport and that gay supporters are breaking a stereotype is pretty hilarious.
posted by rodgerd at 06:21 PM on August 12, 2004
If we replaced gays with sheep would that make a difference? :-P
posted by squealy at 06:43 PM on August 12, 2004
I watched a bit of the France-Canada rugby match the other day and those scrums reminded me of this thread.
posted by billsaysthis at 10:06 PM on August 12, 2004
i hear Gov. McGreevey is a soccer fan.
posted by goddam at 10:20 PM on August 12, 2004
Doesn't this seem absolutely logical, though? I mean, if I played in a sport that let me run around and kick balls with a whole buncha chicks, I'd do it in a heart beat.... Wait, that came out wrong.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 12:45 AM on August 13, 2004
When soccer has anything as remotely gay as dressing the participants in tight trousers, getting them to bend over, and then one member of the team stands behind the biggest guy and puts his hands bettween his legs, call me. And what's with all the butt-slapping I see in the NFL? And they have the nerve to call soccer gay??
posted by salmacis at 05:10 PM on August 13, 2004
I don't think anyone's calling soccer gay, but that gays are getting into more than other sports. What's wrong with a few more supporters?
posted by billsaysthis at 10:59 PM on August 13, 2004
Bend Over Like Beckham, huh?