French Soccer Star Benjamin Pavard Gets Trolled, Are Tank Tops Gay?

French Soccer Star Benjamin Pavard Gets Trolled, Are Tank Tops Gay?

Hey, gays! Apparently, tank tops are just for us! Who knew? We all know that social media is crazy, but this is really crazy. French soccer star Benjamin Pavard posted a pic of himself in a tight, white tank. Then the trolls came out with homophobic responses. WTF? Comments came from both his fellow teammates and his supposed fans. This guy is a World Cup winner. Also, not gay. He's engaged to an actress and model. Here's the post in question:

 

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A post shared by Benjamin Pavard (@benpavard21)

Sure, this also looks like an ad for a Bel Ami scene, but that's only because it's that age old game - gay or European? But Pavard has now been wrapped up in the issue of masculine toxicity in the world of sports, here in football (we call it soccer). Pavard and his sexuality have been called into question before. Is he not "masc" enough? And even if he was gay, so what? Does that affect his playing? And being mocked by his own teammates? If any athlete is in the closet and thinking about coming out, things like this situation just shut that door even tighter.

 

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A post shared by Benjamin Pavard (@benpavard21)

And did the tank top become gay all of the sudden? Because it can show off a guy's built chest and bulging biceps? So only gay guys work out? Originally, the tank top was used as underwear for workers who engaged in strenuous physical activity or by sports players, the garment was meant to capture sweat and protect a shirt. It was used in high demand with rowers.

Hollywood made the tank top popular with pop culture with stars like James Dean and Marlon Brando sporting them in pictures and in films. Well, now we know more about these guys and their sexuality being called into question. Is that when they became gay? Tank tops have become part of fashion, and can be seen on runways. Is THAT when they became gay? Tank tops have become popular with females over the years as well. So are women who wear tank tops lesbians? Or just it just apply to the guys.

 

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A post shared by LANES (@lanes_studio)

It is just alarming to see that athletes are so threatened by the idea that someone on their team, like Pavard, might enjoy showing some skin or who might not translate as masculine enough. To his credit, Pavard has left the post up. So who has the fragile masculinity now? Clearly not Pavard.

We need more athletes to come out as allies, and speak against stupid homophobia in the locker room. We need fans who are allies to also speak out and support those who have had the courage to come out. Sigh. We have so far to go still.

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