Justin Fashanu. Not Forgotten. The Biography

Justin Fashanu. Not Forgotten. The BiographyPublished 1st Feb 2025 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

Published - 1st Feb 2025

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.

About 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.

Reviews

Jon Holmes - Outsports

"It’s important to have an annual awareness day that draws attention to LGBTQ+phobia in sports. “Justin Fashanu: Not Forgotten” helps us to humanize Feb. 19 while also interpreting the complex history of a unique athlete.

We know we’ll never eradicate discrimination in sports entirely but complacency must never be an excuse for inaction. So raise a glass to Justin — and raise your voice."

Justin Fashanu should be celebrating his 64th birthday - his courage still inspires - Outsports

Praise for the First Edition

This is an excellent biography of a man of great talent and self-belief who should’ve been able to live a happy and fulfilled life in his truth; to me, his tragedy is intrinsic to the hostility he faced. Justin Fashanu was one of few out black British public figures in his time, and he deserves to be remembered with the same dignity, respect and understanding Jim Read offers here.

Paul Mendez, novelist, screen writer and literary critic.

Justin Fashanu and I were in a relationship in the early 1980s when he felt compelled to 
lead a double life, hiding his gayness in the macho world of football. Jim Read’s biography captures the complexity of his character and the twists and turns of his turbulent life. This authoritative account makes a significant contribution to LGBT+ history.

Peter Tatchell - Human Rights Campaigner

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199 Pages

ISBN - 9781780916552

Ebook - 9781781563489 (Available on Amazon)