“If I Were Gay, I’d Be Proud” Says Footballer Federico Bernardeschi To Homophobic Fans
Italian midfielder Federico Bernardeschi has a history of turning heads with his fashion choices, which has unfortunately attracted homophobic taunts for years. As reported by Attitude magazine, the athlete addressed the noise in a recent interview on The BSMT podcast. His message to the critics is refreshingly blunt.
It all started with a skirt.
“Twelve years ago, I wore pants that looked like a skirt. Imagine the uproar that followed,” Bernardeschi explained. He admits the constant chatter got to him back then.
“They started saying I was gay,” he recalled. “I was 20 years old at the time, and reading those words hurt me.” Now, his attitude is simply one of confidence. On his style choices, he says, “What’s the problem? If I like it, I’ll wear it.”
He backs up his words with action.
Bernardeschi, a married father of two, doesn’t just talk the talk. He uses his platform for visible support, even when it’s risky. While working as a pundit for Rai 1 during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, he painted Pride rainbow stripes on his hand for the cameras.
He believes it is part of his job. “I’m convinced that as public figures, we have a great responsibility to communicate positive messages,” he stated. “We need to speak up more often, especially about injustice in the world.”
“And if I were? What does it matter?”
Ultimately, Bernardeschi is tired of the speculation. He put the question to rest by challenging the entire premise of the insult. “How many times have people called me gay?” he asked. “And if I were? What does it matter? On the contrary, I would be proud of it.”
He also gave a shout-out to the players who have bravely come out, saying, “To those… who say it, chapeau!” His final point is one we can all get behind. “In this world, everyone should be free to do what they want.”
