From the beginning, I kept hearing the story that I was ‘different’. I couldn’t speak to anyone about it because I didn’t know what my ‘problem’ was. Everything went well, even at school, but there were still moments during which I felt I was at a low point. I started Googling these feelings I was experiencing and landed on the word ‘intersex’.
Over the almost four years that I’ve been out in ultimate there has been a steadily increasing number of out trans and non-binary players, including several that have specifically reached out to me to say how I’ve helped lead the way. This is the power of representation. This is the power of out, vocal, and visible LGBTQ+ athletes. Those who have taken the steps before can help lead the way for those who come after.
It is good to have separate LGBT leagues because it allows a safe space for LGBT athletes to play the game where they will not need to worry about being judged by others for their sexual orientation.
There are a lot of other athletes in the trampoline and tumbling world who are gay. Seeing how they were accepted made it easier for me to come out.
I am constantly in contact with my coach as I work with him on a daily basis. So I thought he should know. I cannot work with someone who does not know me.