Athletic Club hosts LGTBIfobia awareness talk with a same-sex couple

Athletic Club is reinforcing its commitment to values beyond the pitch by hosting a talk against LGTBIfobia at its Lezama training facilities. The session featured Alejandro Vigara and Álvaro Cabezas, a same-sex couple who have actively campaigned against homophobia in football.

A Pioneering Initiative

The initiative, part of Athletic Club's Garathuz project, aims to develop well-rounded individuals with strong values, not just elite athletes. Vigara and Cabezas shared their personal experiences of facing homophobic abuse, particularly after posting photos of themselves kissing while wearing the Athletic Club jersey. Their story gained significant traction online after Vigara shared a video denouncing the hate they received.

This led to an invitation from the club, not only to attend a match but also to speak directly with the next generation of Athletic players. Vigara expressed his deep emotion upon receiving the invitation, highlighting that the club's willingness to have them speak to the academy players demonstrated a genuine commitment to the cause.

Inclusivity in Lezama

The talk took place on May 11th, following the Athletic versus Valencia match. Vigara and Cabezas addressed two cadete teams, engaging approximately 43-44 young players over two hour-long sessions. Initially, the players were somewhat reserved, but as the sessions progressed, active participation and personal questions emerged. The young footballers were particularly interested in the couple's coming-out experiences, how they navigated their relationships, and the reactions from their social circles.

The presence of the cadete coaches and an Athletic psychologist underscored the club's support for this educational endeavor. The psychologist noted the value of the talk in providing a safe space for young players, particularly any who might be struggling with their identity, enabling them to live more freely and integrate their personal lives with their football aspirations.

Creating a Safe Environment

Vigara emphasized that the message was for all players, not just those who identify as gay. The goal was to foster an inclusive locker room environment where everyone feels safe and united in supporting a just cause. The couple referenced openly supportive footballers like Borja Iglesias, Héctor Bellerín, and Aitor Ruibal as examples of allies in the fight for LGTB+ rights.

While Vigara stated that no other football clubs have contacted them for similar talks, he expressed a strong willingness to continue this work with any team. He believes such discussions are crucial for addressing homophobia in football. The couple affirmed that their public displays of affection at matches will continue, noting that while they have encountered hate online, their experiences at stadiums have often been met with acceptance, suggesting a gradual shift in attitudes. However, they cautioned that the persistence of anonymous online hate indicates the problem still exists.

Personal Reflections

Vigara also shared a personal connection to Athletic Club, stemming from his father's lifelong support for the team. He recounted how hearing homophobic slurs in the stands had initially distanced him from the sport and his father. Tragically, his father passed away from cancer shortly after witnessing Athletic's Copa del Rey victory in 2024.

Datos clave
| Aspecto | Detalle |
|—|—|
| Evento | Charla contra la LGTBIfobia en Lezama |
| Participantes | Alejandro Vigara y Álvaro Cabezas |
| Audiencia | Jugadores cadete del Athletic Club |
| Objetivo | Fomentar valores y un entorno inclusivo |

This initiative by Athletic Club highlights the growing importance of addressing social issues within football, demonstrating how clubs can leverage their platform to promote inclusivity and challenge prejudice among their young athletes.

Fuente: deia.eus – https://www.deia.eus/athletic/2026/05/31/athletic-lezama-besos-contra-homofobia-11138146.html

Datos clave