Ralf Schumacher: Why athletes are still waiting to come out

On Sunday, Ralf Schumacher published a photo of himself and his friend Etienne, writing: “The best thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything.” It is the first time that Schumacher has made his love for a man public. The only documented relationship of the former Formula 1 racing driver to date was his marriage to ex-wife Cora.

Ralf Schumacher’s coming out highlights problems in professional sport

But that’s not all: Schumacher’s confession comes 17 years after the end of his Formula 1 career. Like many professional athletes, he kept his sexuality under wraps. There are several reasons for this, as psychologist Ulrike Schneider-Schmid explains to star explains. “We need a broader image of ‘masculinity’ in sport. This is defined very classically, anything that deviates from this and has a hint of femininity is considered weak,” says Schneider-Schmid.

“Just think of the discussions about the national team’s pink football jerseys. ‘Gay’ as a derogatory term is still very present on football pitches and in sports halls around the world. Coming out makes you vulnerable,” she explains.

Professional sport is also a place of work. Just like in office jobs, many of those affected are afraid of the reactions of their co-workers, says Schneider-Schmid. “Many are worried about negative comments, especially in the locker room, and anticipate the worst – but the actual reactions are often much milder and more positive than expected,” says the psychologist.

The reactions of fans and colleagues are only one aspect that prevents active athletes from coming out. There are also financial reasons. “Generally speaking, professional athletes are always advertising figures, which can be a burden for them. There are many athletes who think very carefully about what they reveal about themselves and what this would do to their market value. They censor themselves,” says Schneider-Schmid. With sometimes fatal consequences. “Having to keep an important part of your life secret triggers a chronically high level of stress. This can have very negative effects on people and cause illnesses. Gay and bisexual men have a significantly higher risk of suicide.”

Athletes can become role models

Athletes who come out during their active careers could become role models. “What is presented to you as normal, you will accept as normal. If you see a successful racing driver who comes to the awards ceremony with his husband and nobody comments on it, it becomes part of your own normality,” says Schneider-Schmid. Nevertheless, there should be no pressure for active athletes and all those who have already left their careers behind. After all, you don’t have to share your own sexuality, says Schneider-Schmid. “Not everyone wants to be celebrated as a role model by society and see sexual orientation as a factor in their personality that is known to everyone and defines them.”

She sees the overwhelmingly positive reactions to Ralf Schumacher’s coming out as an important signal. They could encourage other affected people to also decide to go public – assuming that they actually want to do so.