W9Saint

Great article. Sign up required but only takes 30seconds to view. http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/sport/man-at-heart-of-the-dressing-room-who-came-out-to-southampton-side-jrbhqcmxx

£250

Interesting article. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37680099

Whilst I have not been subject to much in the way of abuse & grew up in a small village in Dorset I went to great efforts to hide being gay in order to avoid potential abuse. I think lots of gay people especially in rural communities go to similar lengths to avoid any hassle. A question, if your son or daughter came out as gay do you think they would be accepted whole heartedly within your network of family & friends. Would you worry about the reaction they may get?

I think this is the point - some areas of the UK are much more accepting them others. - This only demonstrates we still have a way to go untl we reach a stage where no cares what your sexuality is.

A couple of points from my viewpoint. I have rarely experienced any abuse but then I guess as a beer drinking, football watching guy I don't conform to the perceived "gay stereotype". Attitudes have certainly improved dramatical over the last few years however I still would not feel comfortable kissing my husband at St Mary's after a 93rd minute winning goal. Whether it is a rational or not a lot of fear still exists in the gay community which prevents a lot of people feeling 100% comfortable to be themselves in public. Physical abuse thankfully is very rare but s******ing, pointing or casual jibes are still commonplace if you were to walk down a provincial town holding hands. Hopefully a day will come soon when it will not be a monumental decision to come out, and something that you will not feel embarrassed or uncomfortable to do. And hopefully people will be able to refer to someone without the prefix of "gay" in front of it.

Sorry about the typo (league) - I blame it on the post match beers! I agree with the who cares" but it is a brave guy(s) who pave the way. My fella is also a Saints man (born in Hythe) & as he's called Rich Lambert I guess it's appropriate.

So according to the Mirror two premier league players are preparing to come out? If one of them was a Saints player will anyone care less and will fans rally around and be supportive? Also would you advise them to come out or stay in the closet? Intrigued to know general concensus as a gay guy myself.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25752833

Great article gives a decent background to the goings on.. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/southampton/10573962/Cortese-resigning-Pochettinos-future-in-doubt.-Southampton-fans-must-be-asking-What-is-going-on.html

anyone got any good live feeds for the match?

I used to live in Richmond, Surrey and sold Marion Pahars house after he left Saints and Matt Oakley lived a couple of streets away.

Emma Judd ‏@pn_Emma_Judd Just spoken to Gordon Taylor, chairman of @pfa, and will shortly be updating #pompey story to include his views. Phil Whyte ‏@TheFootyPoet Nice one @pn_Emma_Judd - quick one liner clue here? Emma Judd ‏@pn_Emma_Judd Um...@TheFootyPoet...I am upset. oh dear lol

Cant even speak english!

Anyone know how to contact Nigel Adkins, I want to write and thank him for everything he has done for our club. Shocked & disgusted by Cortese. :-(