Milwaukee Brewers minor leaguer David Denson has become the first openly gay player on a team affiliated with Major League Baseball.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the 1st baseman reached out to the newspaper to tell his story, with the help of former major leaguer Billy Bean.
“Talking with my teammates, they gave me the confidence I needed, coming out to them,” Denson told the newspaper. “They said, ‘You’re still our teammate. You’re still our brother. We kind of had an idea, but your sexuality has nothing to do with your ability. You’re still a ballplayer at the end of the day. We don’t treat you any different. We’ve got your back.’ That was a giant relief for me. I never wanted to feel like I was forcing it on them. It just happened. The outcome was amazing. It was nice to know my teammates see me for who I am, not my sexuality.”
On Wednesday, Denson shared a heartfelt message via Instagram, thanking friends and family for accepting him for who he is, “despite any judgement they may have”:
It’s about making a difference and inspiring others. Life has no fast forward or rewind button. So live life everyday to the fullest and be thankful. Keep your family and friends close and be happy with who you are and what you are blessed to have. Don’t take things for granted, open your eyes and take every “what if” and replace it with “why not”. Focus on positivity and walk away from negativity. I’m thankful for the gift that I have been blessed with in baseball, and I thank God everyday!
I am thankful that my family and friends are supportive and they care and love me for who I am despite any judgement they may have.
I hope everyone has a great day and remember Weakness is not an Option!
#thankful #greatful #weaknessisnotanoption #professional #baseball”
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