Zander Murray is in the limelight lately after coming as the first active gay Scottish Professional footballer.
Currently plying his trade in the Lowland League for Gala Fairydean Rovers Murray is the first openly gay footballer in the men’s professional game in Scotland since Justin Fashanu, who played for Airdrie and Hearts in the 1990s.
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What Zander made Murray come out?
Murray stated on the Gala Fairydean Rovers website Murray:
“First of all, I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders. I’ve chosen to do this now for two reasons. First, I was just on vacation and attended a pride event. I’ve always been too closeted to attend these events, but I enjoyed it.
“The vibe was brilliant and everyone was just being free and happy and it was great to just be me. I also want to help other players who are struggling with this as it isn’t easy for men, especially footballers to deal with.”
Murray came out four months after Blackpool’s Jake Daniels became the first openly homosexual active footballer in England. In June, Scottish officials Craig Napier and Lloyd Wilson both came out as gay.
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Was Zander Murray supported?
Murray added:
“The lads at the club have been so supportive. I have a really strong bond with everyone at the club and I have been blown away by the support. Before coming out you think people will turn against you and you think the worst.”
Murray stated that he often used to research and kept an eye on media outlets to see whether there were any platforms for young gay male footballers to support him but there was nothing as such.
What does Zander Murray hope to inspire?
Talking about helping and inspiring other gay footballers, Murray stated, “It can be difficult and you can feel very alone.” The footballer is hoping the Scottish Football Association can offer more support to male footballers who want to come out as gay.
Murray added, “Hopefully the SFA can work with other leagues and partners and look at support and drive how we help other players. The men’s game greatly needs that support. Women’s football is another ball game. They are completely diverse and open and this is something the men’s game should aspire to be.”
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