How many Matildas are gay? The Australian women’s national football team is once again topping the charts with a story about its players.
Players queuing in the tunnel under Parramatta Stadium were due to play yet another friendly match against Spain, as is customary. However, the “secret rainbow numbers” on their jerseys were the most unusual aspect of the situation.
The Matildas’ initiative during the international match attracted widespread attention. It was the first time in the history of the sport. The decision was based on the match dates coinciding with Sydney World Pride 2023.
Keep reading to learn more about the history of the Maltidas and the percentage of gay Maltidas.
How many Maltidas are gay?
Nine main team players and three reserves for the Matildas are gay. In the most recent documentary about the players’ lives, a number of Maltidas came out as gay and acknowledged their sexuality. The documentary “The World at Our Feet” begins with the story of Commander Sam Kerr. Kerr is filmed preparing eggs for his fiancée, UNSSWNT player Kristie Mewis. The narrative then shifts to Tamerka Tallop, who is pictured with her beautiful wife, former soccer player Kristy Yallop, and their adorable daughter.
Ellie Carpenter makes an appearance with her partner, teammate Danielle van de Donk from Lyon. Aston Villa’s Emily Gielnik is shown proposing to her long-term same-sex partner.
The documentary touched the hearts of individuals around the world. Sarah Walsh, director of women’s football for Football Australia and face of the 2008 documentary, commented on the latest version and told Optus Sport that she and her wife enjoyed the show.
I was sitting next to my wife and we both noticed how this was woven into the show as if it were perfectly normal, and I think that was the beauty of it.
In the documentary, the players discussed inclusivity and how to create a safe environment for LGBTQIA+ players, coaches, officials and fans.
“It’s always a huge honor to wear the Australian jersey, but to wear the colors of the rainbow – something I’ve always been proud of and passionate about – is truly special.”
The documentary: opening the doors to inclusiveness
This is not the first time that a documentary has been made about the existence of Maltidas. In 2008, “Never Say Die” was released as a second attempt. However, the series paid little attention to the athletes’ personal lives and, according to some fans, ignored their same-sex relationships. There was only one heterosexual relationship on the show.
The six-episode Disney+ documentary focuses on queer relationships and attempts to spread the beautiful message of inclusion to the world in 2023. The message from the Maltidas team is: “Yes, there are many members of the LGBTQ+ community, but that’s not the story.
This is a major issue in the world of sport, where homophobia has become widespread. Currently, athletes are contesting this restriction.
More than forty LGBTQIA+ footballers took part in the women’s competition in Tokyo and the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, according to Outsports. Additionally, 13% of athletes competing at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand were gay or bisexual.
The Rainbow Pride numbers on the back of the jerseys proclaimed that in the Maltidas team, no one is left behind and that every LGBTQIA+ person has their place in this world.