The efemérides (anniversaries) for February 19 highlight various events and anniversaries related to this date, notably the celebration of the Day Against Homophobia in Sports. This day commemorates the birth of Justin Fashanu, an English footballer of Nigerian descent who gained prominence in the 1980s playing for Nottingham Forest. Fashanu was notably one of the first high-profile football players to come out as gay, making his story particularly significant within the context of sports and LGBTQ+ representation.

Fashanu's career included significant milestones, such as Nottingham Forest's record purchase from Norwich City, which was over one million pounds sterling—at that time, a groundbreaking fee for a player of color in the UK. The club was under the management of Brian Clough, a revered figure in English football, known for his strong leadership. However, when Clough learned of Fashanu's visits to LGBTQ+ clubs, he confronted Fashanu directly, indicating the social challenges and stigmas that existed in sports during that era.

The observance of the Day Against Homophobia in Sports not only honors Fashanu's legacy but also aims to raise awareness about homophobia within sporting contexts. As discussions around inclusivity and the rights of LGBTQ+ athletes continue to evolve, this day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance within sports, prompting reflections on how far we have come and the journey that still lies ahead for many athletes today.