Sam Kerr is the hero I needed, growing up as a queer football fanatic in Australia

In the world of sports, heroes emerge not just for their athletic prowess, but for the profound impact they have on individuals’ lives. Sam Kerr, the renowned Australian footballer, stands as such a hero in my eyes. Growing up in Australia as a fervent football fanatic and a member of the queer community, her story resonates deeply with me.

It’s a testament to the progress we’ve made as a society that arguably the most famous and beloved woman in Australia is an openly lesbian individual. This milestone in queer representation and excellence would have been a game-changer for me during my formative years. Sam Kerr’s presence on the world stage is a beacon of hope for countless young queer individuals, showing them that they can achieve greatness while being true to themselves.

The emotions I experienced while watching the Matildas in their first Women’s World Cup semi-final were already running high. However, one moment pushed me to the brink of overwhelming pride: Sam Kerr’s exquisite goal. Even more heartwarming was the sight of her girlfriend, Kristie Mewis, a USA midfielder, seated near me in the stands. This public display of love on such a grand stage is a testament to the strides we’ve taken in accepting queer relationships.

The Women’s World Cup, often dubbed “the gayest ever” due to the openness of its players about their queer identities, has become a showcase of diversity and inclusivity. Names like Ellie Carpenter, Cortnee Vine, Caitlin Foord, and many others have become household names, transcending the boundaries of sport to become queer icons.

It’s not just the Australian team; queer representation is thriving across the tournament. From Sweden’s Magdalena Eriksson and Denmark’s Pernille Harder to numerous queer Latin American players, the Women’s World Cup has become a stage for celebrating love and diversity.

This tournament also marked a historic moment as Canada’s Quinn became the first out non-binary player to feature in a Women’s World Cup. Their presence, alongside other queer players, has had a profound impact, making it clear that queerness is not just accepted but embraced in women’s football.

To witness queer players sharing their lives with their partners and families fills me with a joy that cannot be overstated. It’s the joy of seeing someone who looks like you succeed and be celebrated in the mainstream. Yet, it’s also a testament to how normalized queerness has become in women’s football, which has long been a welcoming space for the LGBTIQ+ community.

Reflecting on my own childhood dreams, I recall wanting to be the first woman to play for Manchester United. Back then, the idea of women’s teams competing at the highest level was nearly unimaginable. Likewise, I seldom saw queer role models. It wasn’t until my twenties that I truly began to embrace my identity and connect with the queer community.

Today, I proudly play for a football team made up entirely of queers and allies. Yet, I can’t help but wonder how different my journey might have been if I had known that achieving success on the world stage, with a loving partner by my side, was possible – just like Sam Kerr.

Sam Kerr’s influence extends far beyond the pitch. Shoshana Booth, who resides in Sydney with her wife, eloquently describes watching the Women’s World Cup as “a vision for the future where not only is queer sexuality not an issue, but it is openly talked about and celebrated.” The presence of queer women and families at the games creates a safe and normalized space for the community.

The Matildas, Australia’s national women’s football team, have proudly displayed a pride flag at their training facilities during the Women’s World Cup. They even wore rainbow jerseys to celebrate Sydney WorldPride. Sam Kerr’s statement during this time resonates deeply: “In being myself, being true to who I am and being really open with everyone about who I am, I hope the message that’s received by the public is a really positive one.”

In contrast, professional men’s football still lags behind in terms of LGBTQ+ representation. The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar featured no openly gay players, highlighting the disparities that persist in the sport. While progress has been made with players like Australian Josh Cavallo and Inter Milan’s Jakub Jankto coming out, there is much work to be done to create an inclusive environment in men’s football.

The Women’s World Cup of 2023 will be remembered by Australians for many reasons, but it’s crucial that we also remember the queer women who played a pivotal role in making it a memorable and inclusive event. Sam Kerr and her peers have shown us that sport can be a platform for acceptance, love, and celebration, and their influence will continue to inspire generations to come.