In an inconspicuous park on the periphery of London Stadium, the women and non-binary (WNB) soccer team from Stonewall FC don their distinctive powder blue and fuschia kits, displaying a vibrant blend of skill and determination. The team’s coach, Amii Griffith, a dedicated member of Stonewall FC since its early days, watches attentively, her passion for the sport evident in her eyes.
Stonewall FC, the U.K.’s first LGBTQ+ soccer club, has been a sanctuary for queer players since its establishment in 1991. However, it took three decades for the club to form a women and non-binary team, reflecting the delayed progress in acknowledging the inherent queerness of women’s soccer. Despite the sport historically embracing LGBTQ+ individuals, the newfound global attention it now receives has raised concerns about jeopardizing decades of inclusivity and political defiance that define women’s soccer.
FIFA’s recent decision to ban the “One Love” LGBTQ+ solidarity armbands from the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand has left Griffith and her team frustrated. The ruling, which follows a similar ban in the Men’s World Cup, has raised questions about the organization’s commitment to inclusivity. While eight armbands with messages of social inclusion have been approved, the absence of any mention of LGBTQ+ rights is disheartening. Griffith questions how FIFA can claim to support all individuals who face societal non-acceptance when it restricts the terms in which inclusivity can be expressed.
Stonewall FC’s WNB division, established only two years ago, now boasts six teams, welcoming players regardless of their identification within the LGBTQ+ community. The club takes inspiration from the historic Stonewall riots of 1969 in New York City, a pivotal moment for the gay liberation movement. Through Stonewall FC, players can embrace their identities without the need for concealment or dilution.
However, despite advancements in sporting inclusion, transgender players remain vulnerable to discrimination. Griffith highlights the case of Caster Semenya, the double 800m Olympic champion who faced regulations that required hormone treatments to participate in women’s races due to her differences of sexual development (DSD). Such cases emphasize the ongoing fight for transgender athletes to be recognized and valued authentically in their respective sports.
The environment that WNB teams like Stonewall FC provide is a safe and inclusive space, fostering open dialogue and understanding amongst players. Simple habits, such as exchanging names and pronouns before each match, ensure transgender and non-binary players feel seen and heard. This commitment to inclusivity sets the stage for personal growth and shared experiences within the game.
Women’s soccer has always been a trailblazer in welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals. The previous Women’s World Cup in 2019 featured at least 41 players or coaches who identified as gay or bisexual, a stark contrast to zero known gay players in the men’s tournament of 2018. Stefan Lawrence, a senior lecturer in sports business management, attributes this difference to women’s soccer’s roots in challenging gender norms and embracing diversity. The culture of acceptance and celebration within the sport has allowed players to flourish without hiding their true selves.
While progress has been made regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion in men’s soccer, there are ingrained cultural barriers that still require dismantling. Disorderly and violent behavior among fans is more prevalent in men’s games, often alienating queer spectators with bigoted language. In contrast, women’s soccer remains a safe and inclusive environment where fans can express themselves freely and celebrate together.
As women’s soccer gains long-overdue recognition and financial investments, the fear of losing the sport’s inclusive culture looms. The immense viewership of the 2019 Women’s World Cup and lucrative broadcasting deals cement women’s soccer as a growing phenomenon. Nevertheless, it remains crucial for stakeholders in the sport to preserve the culture that has made women’s soccer so special.
Amidst these concerns, Griffith believes in the power of the next generation to carry forth the unapologetic and political legacy of women’s soccer. These women, inspired by those who came before them, will continue to pave the way for a future that embraces inclusivity and progress.
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