Professional footballer Jake Daniels talks about about fashion, the importance of safe space, and coming out to the nation in a new episode of the web series developed by ASOS and the Safe Space Alliance called “Out & Out”.

Daniels, who plays for Blackpool F.C., came out in 2022 making him the only male professional footballer to be out at that time. In the episode Daniels said that when he came out, “people were messaging me from all around the country saying how much it’s helped them be able to come out to their parents”. Daniels added “knowing I’ve made it easy for someone else is such a proud moment as I don’t want people to struggle with something that really shouldn’t be a struggle in today’s society”.

Daniels says his safe space were the “people in my life that really helped me be able to come out and live the life I wanted to” including his mother and sister and his close friends. Daniels said that before telling his friends “I thought worst case scenario we’re not going to be friends anymore and that’s going to upset me because I needed people around me at that time”, but when he told them “it brought everyone closer together, like they were hugging me and stuff, they were like ‘we’re with you 100′”. Daniels continued “that’s what I love about my friends…they’ve always been there for me”.

Near the end of the episode the conversation moves to his partner and the celebration of their one year anniversary together. Daniels says “I’m being taken out to a secret restaurant in Manchester…and I’m very excited to see where we are going”.

“Out & Out” is a YouTube series developed by ASOS and the Safe Space Alliance that explores what safe space means to different people from LGBTQI+ communities worldwide. This project forms part of a wider two-year partnership between ASOS and the Safe Space Alliance focused on growing access to safe spaces for LGBTQI+ communities. “Out & Out” episode 8 with Daniels can be viewed here.

The Safe Space Alliance (SSA), a global LGBTQI+ led nonprofit, announce a new partnership with Colgate-Palmolive. The two organisations will be working together to help people identify, create, and navigate safe spaces for LGBTQI+ communities worldwide.

Colgate-Palmolive support LGBTQI+ communities year round by creating safe and inclusive workplaces, supporting LGBTQI+ Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s), and partnering with LGBTQI+ organisations. Colgate-Palmolive states:

“At Colgate-Palmolive, we are reimagining a healthier future for all – we believe in the power of inclusivity and are committed to creating a culture of belonging where everyone feels comfortable being their authentic selves. That’s why we are thrilled to announce our newly established partnership with the Safe Space Alliance (SSA)! The vision of the SSA is a world where LGBTQIA+ communities can freely express themselves without fear and be free from violence, bullying, and hate speech no matter where they are. We’re excited to help bring to life this beautiful vision in our offices and with whomever we work with – because when we lift each other up with a smile – we will all rise!”

SSA director Shannon Novak states:

“We are proud to partner with Colgate-Palmolive given the extensive and visible work they are doing with LGBTQI+ communities worldwide. One key priority will be development of digital or web-based safe space for LGBTQI+ staff at Colgate-Palmolive to access for anonymous support. It is vital organisations have a service like this for people at work who are struggling with being LGBTQI+ for whatever reasons, and need someone to talk to”.

The partnership will see the development of several initiatives at Colgate-Palmolive over time, each with a view to driving thought and action leadership in supporting LGBTQI+ communities within and outside a global organisation.