Ralf Schumacher - Why athletes still wait with coming-out
On Sunday, Ralf Schumacher published a photo of himself and his friend Etienne, with the caption: "The most beautiful thing in life is having the right partner by your side, with whom you can share everything." This is the first time Schumacher has made his love for a man public. The only documented relationship of the former Formula-1 racer was his marriage to ex-wife Cora.
Ralf Schumacher's Coming Out Reveals Problem in Professional Sports
However, Schumacher's confession comes 17 years after the end of his Formula 1 career. Like many professional athletes, he kept his sexuality hidden. Psychologist Ulrike Schneider-Schmid explained to stern the reasons. "We need a broader understanding of 'masculinity' in sports. This is very classically defined, and anything that deviates and has a hint of the feminine is considered weak," so Schneider-Schmid.
"Just think about the discussions about the pink football jerseys of the national team. 'Gay' or 'homosexual' as a derogatory term is still very present at football pitches and sports halls around the world. One makes oneself vulnerable to attacks through a coming-out," she explained.
Professional sports are also a workplace. Just like in office jobs, many affected individuals have fears about the reactions of their colleagues. "Many are concerned about negative comments, especially in the locker room, and anticipate the worst – but the actual reactions are often much milder and positive than expected," so the psychologist.
The reactions of fans and colleagues are just one aspect that deters active athletes from coming out. There are also financial reasons. "Professional athletes are always marketing figures, which is a burden for them. There are many athletes who carefully consider what they reveal about themselves and what this means for their market value. They censor themselves," so Schneider-Schmid. With sometimes fatal consequences. "Having to keep an important part of one's own life a secret can cause chronically elevated stress levels. This can have very negative effects on a person and lead to illnesses. Gay and bisexual men have a significantly increased suicide risk."
Athletes can be role models
However, athletes who come out during their active career can be role models. "What is presented as normal is what is accepted as normal. When you see a successful racer who comes to the victory podium with his husband, and no one comments on it, that becomes a part of one's own normalcy," so Schneider-Schmid. However, there should be no pressure for active athletes or those who have already retired. "One does not have to share one's sexuality, says Schneider-Schmid. 'Not everyone wants to be celebrated as a role model by society and have their sexual orientation defined as a defining factor of their person.'"
The positive reactions to Ralf Schumacher's coming-out are seen by her as an important signal. They could encourage other affected individuals to make the decision to come out – provided they want to.
- Despite retiring from Formula-1 17 years ago, Ralf Schumacher's recent Instagram post marked a significant shift in his public persona, revealing his relationship with his partner Etienne.
- Ralf Schumacher's former marriage to Cora was the only documented relationship in his public life, but his confession about his love for a man marks a new era in his personal journey.
- Psychologist Ulrike Schneider-Schmid highlighted the challenges professional athletes face when it comes to revealing their sexuality, citing the traditional definition of masculinity in sports as a major hurdle.
- Schumacher's courage to come out as homosexual could inspire other athletes who may be grappling with similar issues, despite the potential risks associated with revealing their sexuality in a highly public and competitive field.
- Some professional athletes, like Ralf Schumacher, may choose not to openly discuss their sexuality despite the potential benefits of doing so, emphasizing the personal nature of this decision and the importance of respecting individual choices.
