The world of sports has made significant progress over the past few months when it comes to diversity and inclusion as stars such as Jason Collins, Brittney Griner and Kevin Grayson, have all come out as gay. And while the issue of gays in sports has mainly pertained to baseball, basketball and football, American soccer recently joined the mix when soccer player Robbie Rogers became the first gay active pro sports soccer player in the U.S.
According to ESPN, on Sunday evening, during a regular-season Major League Soccer match between his team, the Los Angeles Galaxy, and the Seattle Sounders, Rogers entered the game in the 77th minute and officially became the sport’s first openly gay active player.
The landmark moment follows Rogers decision to come out, via an emotional post on his website, in February.
Secrets can cause so much internal damage. People love to preach about honesty; how honesty is so plain and simple. Try explaining to your loved ones after 25 years that you are gay. Try convincing yourself that your creator has the most wonderful purpose for you even though you were taught differently.
In the post, Rogers also announced that he was “stepping away” from soccer to enjoy his life.
“Now is my time to step away. It’s time to discover myself away from football. It’s 1 a.m. in London as I write this and I could not be happier with my decision,” wrote Rogers, adding “My secret is gone, I am a free man, I can move on and live my life as my creator intended.”
Well, it looks like both Rogers and his creator intended for him to make history and open the door for other gay and bisexual soccer players to come out and thrive in the sport that they love.
Check out some other famous out athletes below. –nicholas robinson
