German Soccer Referee Pascal Kaiser Champions Queer Visibility: “I’d Never Hide My Boyfriend”

Pascal Kaiser, a 27-year-old assistant referee in Germany’s Oberliga Niederrhein, has become a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in soccer. Since coming out publicly as bisexual three years ago, Kaiser’s profile has grown both online and within the sport, amassing a social media following of around 170,000 people . Despite operating in the fifth tier of German football, where matches attract crowds in the hundreds, Kaiser’s openness about his identity sends an important message in a sport where openly gay and bisexual men remain rare on or off the field.

Kaiser’s commitment to authenticity was powerfully demonstrated during Pride Month, when he shared on Instagram a video of a kiss with his boyfriend, Moritz, along with several photos of the couple together. One photo, in particular, showed the two sharing a kiss pitchside at FC Köln’s RheinEnergieStadion, a meaningful location for Kaiser, who is a devoted fan of the Bundesliga club and sports its crest tattooed on his arm .

Despite soccer’s progress over the years, homophobia remains a persistent issue within the sport, both in stadiums and online. Kaiser, who regularly finds himself in close proximity to fans—many of whom are vocal and sometimes hostile—has chosen to confront this environment with bravery. He refuses to let fear dictate how he lives or loves, declaring publicly, “I see this as my mission: to create visibility. To be a voice. And to encourage people who aren’t yet brave enough to speak up.” .

Kaiser has spoken candidly about the loneliness that can accompany being queer in sports, noting that he wants to ensure no one feels isolated due to their identity. His message is a rallying call for other gay and bisexual players, as well as anyone struggling with their sexuality in the often-conservative culture of soccer. “I know how lonely it can be to think you’re the only one. I want no one to have to feel that way again,” he said in an interview with Schwulissimo, a German LGBTQ+ publication .

Kaiser’s openness has not only elevated his own visibility but has also contributed to a broader movement toward inclusion in European football. Other referees, such as Scotland’s Lloyd Wilson and Dan McFarlane, have also come out in recent years, joining networks like the LGBTQ+ Professionals in Football Collective. These peer networks offer crucial support, camaraderie, and mentorship for LGBTQ+ officials and players, helping to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes within the game .

The presence of visible, openly LGBTQ+ figures like Kaiser is especially significant in countries and leagues where anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment remains entrenched. By refusing to hide his boyfriend or silence his identity, Kaiser provides a powerful example of resilience and pride, encouraging others to follow suit and fostering a more inclusive environment within soccer.

Kaiser’s story comes at a time when the conversation around diversity and inclusion in sports is more urgent than ever. Organizations such as Football v Homophobia and Pride in Football continue to advocate for systemic change, but individual visibility remains a cornerstone of progress. For many young LGBTQ+ people aspiring to careers in sports, figures like Kaiser demonstrate that authenticity and professional success are not mutually exclusive.

As the world of soccer grapples with its legacy of exclusion, the courage shown by referees like Pascal Kaiser offers hope for the future of the sport—a future where every player, official, and fan can participate openly and safely, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.