Jake Daniels becomes first UK male footballer to come out as gay since 1990
The Guardian says the Blackpool forward Jake Daniels has ended decades of silence within men’s football to become the first player in the UK to come out as gay since Justin Fashanu in 1990.
Daniels made his senior debut for the club only this month, but the 17-year-old says he is ready to act as a role model for others in the game after deciding “the time is right to be myself, be free and be confident” in his identity.
“Now is the time to do it,” he said. “I feel like I am ready to tell people my story. I want people to know the real me.”
Daniels said he has been aware of his sexuality since he was six years old, but kept it secret as he pursued his dream of a career in football. After a decision that had been some months in the making, and involved consultation with his family, his club, the LGBTQ charity Stonewall and Sky Sports, who first reported the news.
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