From the publisher:
Justin Fashanu was the first out gay professional footballer in the world and – for many years – the only one.
Raised by white foster parents, this young, black man played football at the highest level to a soundtrack of racist abuse. He became a born-again Christian, joyous but tormented by fear of hell, never able to reconcile his faith with his sexuality.
Determined to live life to the full, Fashanu took on its challenges with courage and tenacity until, worn down by his struggles, he faced a future he could not contemplate.
Justin Fashanu: The Biography published in 2012, was the first comprehensive account of his life, praised for the quality of the writing and its portrayal of the times he lived in.
This second edition of Jim Read’s biography retains the scope and detail of the first, enlivened by more of Fashanu’s own voice.
A new chapter looks at other targets of homophobic abuse including Elton John and Sol Campbell, and gives examples of progress. Also new is a chapter about Justin Fashanu’s legacy – he is better known and respected in 2025 than at any time since his death in 1998.
The author:
Jim Read has been researching and writing about equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights for over 30 years. The Department of Health, Mind, the Open University and UNISON are among the organisations which have commissioned his work.
Publications include The Equal Opportunities Book, On Our Own Terms, Something Inside So Strong and Speaking Our Minds.
Jim is a member of the Poets with Parkinson’s Collective and a Leicester City fan.
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