Gay athletes come out to break barriers and make a statement

These gay athletes don’t care what anyone thinks.

They are breaking barriers.

From football to baseball, these athletes are making a statement.

Professional athletes are coming out, breaking taboos and making a statement, regardless of the consequences to their sports careers.

These openly gay athletes are creating a space for diversity in sports.

«There’s something personal I need to share with everyone: I’m a footballer, and I’m gay.»

Those were the words of Australian soccer player Josh Cavallo to let the sports world, and his fans, know that he is proudly gay.

Athletes are coming out

PHOTO: Getty Images

Since October 27, 2021, Josh Cavallo has been considered one of the first footballers come out publicly and he has the full support of his team.

On the football field, machismo and homophobia often prevail, but English footballer Jake Daniels of Blackpool didn’t care.

On May 16, 2022, he scored a goal for the LGBTQ+ community by coming out as the first openly gay player in the United Kingdom.

Jake Daniels has also been fully supported by his teammates.

Gay athletes teach us an important lesson

Boxer Orlando Cruz/PHOTO: Getty Images

He is a lightweight boxer with 25 victories, 12 of them by knockout. Orlando Cruz is gay, and he made it public in a television interview.

Cruz made history as the first boxer to come out publicly.

Among Cruz’s goals is to become the first openly gay world boxing champion, dealing a direct blow to homophobia.

In the more than 100 years of the National Football League (NFL), it’s been rare for any player to come out publicly.

Gay athletes who received support from their teammates

Carl Nassib/Getty Images

The NFL landscape changed on July 21, 2021.

That’s when Carl Nassib became the first active player to come out.

«I’m Carl Nassib. I’m at my house in West Chester, Pennsylvania. I just want to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay.»

He shared his story on Instagram. Fortunately, his post did not affect his career and in 2022 he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a defensive end.

Some athletes’ stories don’t have a happy ending

Solomon Bates/Getty Images

Unfortunately, not everyone continues their careers after publicly coming out, as in the case of baseball player Solomon Bates.

On August 9, 2022, the baseball player shared on social media that he is proud to be a gay athlete.

At that time, Bates was playing in the minor leagues for the San Francisco Giants. For reasons he cannot explain, he was released from the team shortly after.

According to Out magazine, he said: «Being gay in this sport, you don’t know what comes at you! Baseball I’m not done with you. I’m leaving on my terms and my terms only. Gay men can play a manly sport if you give us a chance to.»