With Carl Nassib, the first active NFL player to publicly come out as gay, announcing his retirement from National Football League, the focus has once again shifted to queer sports players who have made a mark in the industry and have inspired many others to do the same.
Here are some prominent sports players who have broken stereotypes and came out bold to reveal their sexuality:
Professional Hockey Player Luke Prokop
In the world of professional hockey, Luke Prokop, a prospect with the Nashville Predators and the first NHL player to publicly come out as gay. In an Instagram post, Prokop shared his journey to self-acceptance, emphasizing that living authentically would allow him to bring his whole self to the rink and pursue his dreams without fear. His courageous step forward marked a historic moment in the NHL, where no active or retired player had openly identified as gay before.
Soccer Player Megan Rapinoe
Soccer star Megan Rapinoe has been a trailblazer both on and off the field. As an openly gay athlete, Rapinoe used her platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, and social justice. Her leadership and advocacy brought attention not only to her athletic prowess but also to the need for inclusivity in sports.
Basketball player Sue Bird
Sue Bird, one of the greatest WNBA players of all time, came out as gay in 2017. She emphasized that her decision to come out publicly felt right and was not a secret to those who knew her. Bird's openness about her sexuality and her relationship with Megan Rapinoe, whom she later got engaged to, underscored the importance of visibility and authenticity in professional sports.
NBA player Jason Paul
Jason Paul Collins made history in 2013 when he became the first openly gay player in any of the four major American professional sports leagues. His announcement sparked important conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in sports and inspired others to be open about their identities. Collins retired from the NBA the following year after 13 seasons in the league.
These athletes have boldly declared their LGBTQ+ identities, contributing to the ongoing fight for inclusivity and diversity in professional sports. Their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of representation and the power of sports to inspire positive change in society.