Lloyd Wilson on coming out as gay: Homophobia in football remains 'a chronic problem'

Scottish football referee Lloyd Wilson says homophobia in football remains “a chronic problem” after publicly coming out as gay aged 30.

The category one official and fellow referee Craig Napier both revealed their sexuality in June 2022, becoming the first openly gay participants in the men’s game in Scotland since Justin Fashanu, who played for Airdrie and Hearts in the mid-1990s.

Wilson told STV Sport he struggled with the decision to reveal his sexuality as he feared any backlash would impact his mental health and his career progression.

The 33-year-old said while his colleagues on the pitch have been “magnificent”, the homophobia he faces from the stands and social media remains a “big problem”.

“Football is a passionate game – but there’s passion and there is abuse,” said Wilson.

“Getting abuse for a decision that’s maybe wrong versus being abused for who you are is different.

“I don’t want to sit here and say it doesn’t bother me. Of course it bothers me.

“I think people need to be held to account when they do use certain language – not just homophobic but other hate language. That is not acceptable. And we need to call out. We need to challenge it.”

He added: “Until these issues are tackled by those who attend games, by those on social media who call it out, I can’t see it improving.”

Wilson is hopeful that his decision to come out will inspire others in football to follow suit – making the sport a place of greater LGBTQ representation and visibility.

“The more we talk about it, the more we normalise it,” he said. “Being in the closet day-to-day was quite a difficult place to be.

“The reason I didn’t come out earlier was I just didn’t feel I could operate in football. I didn’t feel I would be able to progress – not because the systems wouldn’t allow me to but I don’t think my confidence allowed me to.

“I often say I don’t think I’ve ever had depression or anxiety or anything like that – it’s probably that it was just normal to me. That was how I lived life.”

“I would like it to be that it’s no longer a news story. Where people don’t have to say, ‘I’m going out with my pal tonight’ and it’s actually their partner. I’ve been one of those people because of homophobia.

“I think it has an impact not just on players, referees, coaches, but people who want to come to the game, maybe families and young people, who find that a really difficult experience.

“Until we get to a point where people just feel included, regardless, we’re not there. I think we’ve still got quite a lot to do.”

Despite the abuse he has faced on occasion, Lloyd says he was overwhelmed by the support he received from colleagues and fans after coming out.

He initially expressed fears about being rejected by players, thinking they might view him as less capable because of his sexuality.

“I was really worried that players were going to discard me and were going to think that because I was gay, I couldn’t referee properly,” he admitted. “Ridiculous thoughts go through your head.

“(But) actually, I would say it’s the other way.

“The people I didn’t think who would accept me have accepted me. People really respect your courage and the strength of character to be yourself.

“I do love the way I want to live. I think I’m really happy. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

This article is part of a series from STV Sport marking LGBTQ+ History Month, examining the current climate within Scottish football.