Life

Jill Scott: ‘Men’s football isn’t a ‘safe space’ for LGBTQ+ players’

By Dean McColl

22nd November 2022

ITV

Jill Scott talked about the different experiences that LGBTQ+ men and women footballers have with coming out.

The retired midfielder was asked what it’s like to be gay footballer by campmate Seann Walsh on ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’.

She responded that gay women footballers have an easier time than their male counterparts.

“In the men’s game, it’s so difficult,” she explained. “If you think about how much stick they get from chants… it’s just not a safe environment, where they feel safe enough to do that. And that’s so sad.

“But yeah in women’s football it’s just never an issue. Some have partners that are female, some are married to men.”

The Lioness has been open about her sexuality throughout her football career. She was a proud member of the winning England 2022 Women’s Euro’s team and announced her engagement to partner Shelly Unitt in 2020.

Jill is a firm fan favourite on the gruelling ITV game show, and the bookies favourite to win.

The show’s viewers have praised her, declaring her a role model for LGBTQ+ people and women passionate about football.

Her other LGBTQ+ camp mate, Boy George, said other people are more preoccupied with his sexuality than he is.

“I find it’s more other people ask about it, I’m busy being myself,” he said.

“I think when you get to the point where it’s like not a question…In my head it’s just simple, you find someone, you fall in love with them, if it’s a woman, a man, but I don’t think it defines you at all,” Jill responded.

The 35-year-old is the final female contestant left on the show.

‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!’ is currently airing on ITV.