The Man Who Doesn't Actually Exist: A Conversation With A Gay Bundesliga Footballer.

[jenny_jenkins]

Note: The translation in English is in this post. The German original (in full) can be found AT THIS LINK which directs to the magazine.

This interview, which is the first time a gay footballer has ever been interviewed about his experiences, albeit anonymously, in Germany, is translated in full by jenny_jenkins and sashatwen

Comments

[faith47]

In all these interviews, it seems like no one wants to be the first one to come out. (And rightfully so -- they're right that the media attention would be insane.) I just found myself thinking, "Maybe like 30 guys could decide to make the announcement together. Spread the media attention around a bit." If only.

[jenny_jenkins]

When the DFB pledged 100% support for anyone who came out, that exact idea was put forth by some commentators as an answer to the obvious pitfalls of being the first to come out.

[pullhimdown]

I read somewhere that a mass coming out was the original plan, a long time ago but then people started dropping out and the players left decided they weren't coming out unless everyone else did. Bundesliga too, if I'm not mistaken.

[tweedie]

Thank you so much for posting this translation. And I hope this post wont be filled with 'OMG who'dya think it is?!?!' speculation because it really doesn't matter.

[jenny_jenkins]

And I hope this post wont be filled with 'OMG who'dya think it is?!?!' speculation because it really doesn't matter.

Well put. Once thing: he's a lovely and well-spoken person and I don't usually translate with tears streaming down my face.

[tweedie]

You know, reading it, the one thing I kept thinking was 'he's lovely', hints of humour and that little spark of optimism at the end 'we can talk again in a year and then perhaps I can talk under my own name.'. Lovely.

[jenny_jenkins]

I'm so grateful the translation got that across. It's all sashatwen's doing!

<3

[postingwhore]

tyvm for the translation! I've heard so much about this interview so it's great to finally be able to read it. :)

[jenny_jenkins]

finally be able to read it. :)

It was only out yesterday woman! :p

There were minor time-zone problems, it's true. We collaborated at 2 am in the morning (my time) and breakfast time for sashatwen because it seemed important to get out a good translation out fast.

[postingwhore]

Ahhh, sorry! XD I honestly thought it came out earlier - just saw so many tweets about it that I guess I thought it's been a thing for longer than a day. XD

Thank you guys again for your speedy and hard work!!

[ipomoea]

Thanks for the translation! It's just sad that because this is still such an issue for some people, whoever this great personality belongs to has to speak under condition of anonymity. He seems pretty awesome, whoever he is.

[lady_teazle]

Ooh, Jenny & Sasha, tysm for the translation. Google was just not doing the job. :D

Totally agree re comments that the 1st person would be overwhelmed by attention, both good & bad. Abuse from asshole fans is a serious danger, and (some) fellow players as well.

The price for living my dream in the Bundesliga is very high. I have to put on an act and deny my true self. At first it was a huge game and no problem, but as time passes it has taken its toll on me. I’m not sure I can stand the strain that comes with being a model heterosexual player and me potentially being found out until the end of my career.

Yup. Having to watch everything you do and say, living a lie to make other people feel better - it's just ridiculous, and so incredibly difficult.

Had to Lol at this though: Only I never had to pay because after all, a genuine gay guy like me has his best girlfriends. :D

[jenny_jenkins]

That bit about "best girl-friends" was just lovely!