'Play On': new short film shines spotlight on homophobia in football

A new short film, called 'Play On', is highlighting the negative effects of homophobia in football - while stressing the importance of LGBTQ-inclusive spaces within the sport.

It's been created by spoken word artist myndstate alongside director John Reavey, and has been released as part of Football v Homophobia’s Month of Action, supported by Kick It Out, FvH, Dulwich Hamlet FC, and London Titans FC.

The piece follows myndstate's personal journey with football, from the love he developed for the sport at the age of eight to the alienation experienced due to homophobic language during his teenage years.

And powerfully, the 'overwhelming sense of shame' he was forced to feel led him to stop playing the sport in his early 20s.

'We can fight the fight together'

He told Hits Radio Pride how the overwhelming message is one of hope: "Yes, this film talks about very serious issues of homophobia and discrimination, which is still very much prevalent in football, but I think I don't want people to lose hope.

"I want them to know that safe and inclusive football environments do exist, and things are being done to tackle these issues - even though they are still prevalent.

"As much as you might love this sport, and you might not always feel that love returned, there is a place for you in this game.

"And we can fight the fight together."

'A bittersweet catch-22'

In the film, we learn how he discovered welcoming clubs, teams, and leagues for LGBTQ individuals, reigniting his connection to the sport.

However, the film’s message underlines the ongoing challenges across football, and in wider society.

He added: "It's a shame to say, but at the moment, I can't say right now if things are getting better or worse.

"Because a lot more is being done with campaigns like Rainbow Laces, Kick it Out and Football vs Homophobia, and clubs getting behind that, I think these kind of initiatives are getting a platform, but because of their visibility, I think there's more hate against it.

"It's a bittersweet catch-22.

"Personally, I don't go to as many football games as I used to. I mean, it's very expensive, but also because of those reasons, I don't necessarily feel safe or I can be myself and especially I don't want to take my partner because I have to essentially go back in the closet for 90 minutes.

"I'm someone who's I feel very lucky that I'm very comfortable with who I am and my sexuality and I'm and I love football.

"But I still do feel uncomfortable in those environments, which is, which is a real shame."

Aside from the new film, it's looking to be an exciting year for the man who's grown his platform on social media, where he's been sharing his poetry performances.

"I think after a long time, I've finally found the best way of telling my story, and it's amazing to receive messages from people who can relate, or whose eyes have opened to different experiences," he said.

"And this year, I've got a new exciting project coming out, and I've got many more headline shows to perform at up and down the UK.

"It's really busy, but in a really good way."

You can follow myndstate and John Reavey on social media.

Read more: New partnership tackles abuse of LGBTQ+ community in football

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