In a significant milestone for LGBTQ representation in Scottish football, Zander Murray, the country’s first openly gay professional male footballer, is marking one year since publicly coming out. The striker, who made his announcement in September 2022, has since relocated from Gala Fairydean Rovers in the Lowland League to Bonnyrigg Rose in League Two, solidifying his position as the sole openly gay footballer in Scotland’s top four male divisions.
Following in the Footsteps of Justin Fashanu
Zander Murray’s courageous step follows in the footsteps of Justin Fashanu, who played for Hearts and Airdrieonians in the 1990s and was the last known openly gay professional footballer in Scotland before Murray. Despite the challenges he’s faced, Murray is thankful for the overwhelming support he’s received since coming out. In his own words, he’s “learning how to be gay at 31” and admits, “I have been to such dark, dark places.”
A Positive Turnaround
Murray humorously shared that the only ribbing he gets from teammates and opponents is about his fake tan, a sign of camaraderie in the changing landscape of football. He feels he’s now in a much better place, stating, “I’m in such a good place.” Beyond his achievements on the pitch, he aims to inspire queer youth by delivering talks on discrimination in schools, recognizing the evolution of attitudes since his own childhood.
Championing Acceptance and Compassion
Reflecting on the evolving times, Murray observes that today’s schoolchildren are “much more open, accepting, and compassionate.” He’s received letters from individuals of all ages who have found the courage to embrace their true selves, a testament to the positive impact of his journey.
A Better Player Through Self-Acceptance
Murray firmly believes that self-acceptance has not only improved his personal life but also enhanced his performance on the field. He encourages young players not to let fear hold them back, emphasizing that “being able to come out will definitely improve your game.” However, his path to self-acceptance was far from easy, marked by battles with mental health issues.
A Transformative Journey
For Murray, his struggles were rooted in “fighting something that you’re just meant to be.” His journey involved moments of deep introspection, including the realization that he couldn’t continue a relationship with a woman, acknowledging his authentic self. His BBC documentary, “Disclosure: Out on the Pitch,” which aired in March, highlighted the changes in football over the past two decades while underscoring that there is still work to be done in achieving full LGBTQ acceptance in the sport.