Leo Varadkar, Panti Bliss and more praise footballer Jake Daniels for breaking LGBTQ+ stigma

Blackpool forward Jake Daniels has broken the silence surrounding sexuality in men's football, becoming the first active UK player to publicly come out as gay since Justin Fashanu in 1990. Since his announcement, key figures from across Ireland and the UK have taken to social media to show support for the 17-year-old, declaring it a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in a historically hostile sport.

Despite only making his senior debut earlier this month, Daniels found it important to share this aspect of his identity from the start, writing in a statement; "I now feel that I’m ready to come out and be myself."

"In reaching this point, I’ve had some of the best support and advice from my family, my Club, my agent and Stonewall, who have all been incredibly pro-active in putting my interests and welfare first," he continued. "I have also confided in my team-mates in the youth team here at Blackpool, and they too have embraced the news and supported my decision to open up and tell people."

A message from Jake Daniels. https://t.co/R2wEsniXKV pic.twitter.com/dcznYKtSaD

— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) May 16, 2022

His news is particularly significant, as it ended the 32-year silence that had settled over English football since Justin Fashnau became the first active footballer to come out as gay in 1990. Following his announcement, he faced extreme prejudice both inside and outside of the sport, later seeing the deterioration of his career and eventually leading him to take his own life eight years later.

"I was probably five or six years old when I knew I was gay. So it's been a long time that I have been living with the lie," Daniels told Sky Sports. "At that age you don't really think that football and being gay mix. You just think, one day, when I'm older I'll get a girlfriend and I will change and it will be fine. But as you get older you realise you can't just change. It doesn't work like that."

Last year, Australia's Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo became the only male top-flight football player in the world to come out as gay — serving as an inspiration for Daniels, who in his statement from Blackpool FC cited the player as someone who had the "courage and determination to drive change." For Cavallo, coming out has been a mixture of relief and apprehension, as he stares down the Men's World Cup which is set to take place in Qatar, a country where homosexuality is still illegal.

Cavallo has joined the chorus of support following Daniels announcement, saying that he was "very proud" of the young player's decision to go public. Other figures from Ireland and the UK have expressed their support, congratulating him on his bravery.

"This is a big moment. First English professional footballer to say he’s gay in 32 years & he’s done it at the start of his career," wrote Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar in a tweet. "He’s tackling head on the risk of homophobic abuse from some ‘fans’ in the stands, on-line and on the streets."

This is a big moment. First English professional footballer to say he’s gay in 32 years & he’s done it at the start of his career. He’s tackling head on the risk of homophobic abuse from some ‘fans’ in the stands, on-line and on the streets.https://t.co/EqKl19pMuq

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) May 17, 2022

Gaelic football analyst Joe Brolly echoed the statement, tweeting: "Glad that Jake Daniels has come out. No one should live in fear or be suppressed because of who they are and who they love. We must strive for the day when we are blind to race, sexual identity, colour & religion."

Glad that Jake Daniels has come out. No one should live in fear or be suppressed because of who they are and who they love. We must strive for the day when we are blind to race, sexual identity, colour & religion. https://t.co/NGChyWluWv

— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) May 16, 2022

Several others have taken to the the app to express their support, including Queen of Ireland (and current Hot Press cover star) Panti Bliss.

Took 32 years for the second one! I hope and trust things will be better for Jake Daniels than they were for Justin (RIP) https://t.co/URdLZYm0H4

— Dr Panti Bliss-Cabrera (@PantiBliss) May 16, 2022

On one level anyones sexuality should not even be news however this a really brave step by Jack Daniels. I hope it allows others to feel they can be who they truly are regardless of their profession and I am sure the football community will support Jack. Huge respect Jack 🏳️‍🌈 https://t.co/qxJbTY3uvP

— John Bishop (@JohnBishop100) May 17, 2022

I salute you, Jake - https://t.co/1GR3Txa2gc
Jake Daniels: Blackpool footballer, 17, comes out as gay, becoming only openly gay male professional footballer in Britain

— Eddie Izzard (@eddieizzard) May 16, 2022

Big support to Jake Daniels. ❤️

I look forward to the day when announcing something like doesn’t feel necessary. For now though, I’m sure Jake’s bravery is going to be tremendously helpful for so many. https://t.co/hW7ngrXSdM

— Spencer (@SpencerOwen) May 16, 2022

Good for him. Brave, especially for a 17-year-old. Hope others now feel they can follow suit.🌈⚽️https://t.co/3ivD5wCwvR

— Pippa Crerar (@PippaCrerar) May 16, 2022

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