England had a reason to celebrate on Sunday 31st July 2022 after watching the Lionesses finally bring it home, beating Germany in a nail biting game which ended up being 2-1.

Not only did they win, but they provided great representation for the LGBTQ+ community and inspiring the future generation.

England have not won the Euros or the World Cup since 1966, a time in which women were banned from playing football. The ban came about in 1921 and lasted for 50 years before it was decided that women could have an ounce of equality back. Fast forward to July 31st 2022 and England are still on a winning drought until Chloe Kelly scored the winning goal in extra time which saw the lionesses finally end that.

Not only have they won, but they have star players, including captain Leah Williamson, who are openly queer and dating women, which is huge for the LGBTQ+ community to have these public figure role models out there winning tournaments. It’s especially amazing to see that the younger queer community, especially those who have an interest in playing sports, see what these women are achieving.

Here’s a quick run through which Lionesses are LGBTQ+, and what you may all be wondering, who are they dating/ are any single?

LEAH WILLIAMSON

Rachel Daly who plays forward, is in a happy, long distance relationship with Girlfriend Millie Turner who currently plays for Manchester United. Daly is currently playing for a team overseas in USA.

Jill Scott, who has earned the nickname ‘Crouchy’ from her teammates because of her height, has been engaged to now fiancé Shelly Unitt since 2020 and they own a coffee shop together in Manchester.

Demi stokes, who plays for Manchester City, has recently welcomed her first child with fiancé Katie Harrington. It took the couple 2 years to conceive with IVF treatment which is something that Demi has openly spoken about in the hope it will help other same-sex couples.

Lauren Hemp, another Manchester City player is dating footballer Ellie Butler, who currently plays for Wolves. The pair are fairly private on social media, with a rare picture being posted on a recent trip to Amsterdam with friends.

Here’s hoping that these women have started something within the younger generation looking at building a career in football and a hope that the openly LGBTQ+ representation the squad has inspires everyone.