The Last Taboo

The fight for inclusivity of LGBTQ+ people has made possible queer heads of state, lawmakers, entertainers, and executives, but very few openly gay athletes. Soccer, FIFA referee Igor Benevenuto argued, remains “one of the most hostile environments” for gay men, and to date less than ten players have come out.  

Manfred Oldenburg’s documentary The Last Taboo explores the tensions between the brotherhood, masculinity, homophobic banter on-field, surprising support off-field, and pressures of celebrity that make professional soccer a challenging frontier for the LGBTQ+ movement. Gay players like Thomas Hitzlsperger, Collin Martin, and Matt Morton offer their perspectives on this enduring taboo: its origins, its consequences, and how to move beyond it. Watch the trailer!

Streaming as a part of “Breaking Lines”. The triumphs of teamwork, broken glass ceilings, the devotion of fandom—soccer lovers of all stripes find solidarity and perseverance both on and off the field. To mark the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s arrival in North America this summer, this collection of films celebrates the empowering, unifying force of “the beautiful game”. Stream for free through July 31! 

Image © Broadview Distribution GmbH