“Success comes from standing out, not from fitting in”

Out For The Win aims to normalise LGBTQI people in sports and empower youth to feel comfortable in their own skin, by increasing the visibility of the LGBTQI community in all sports and sportclubs through storytelling
STORIES

discover the journey of these inspiring athletes

Demi

Racket sport, Verhalen

When I eventually came out, I also noticed that I felt so much better which improved my tennis. It’s understandable that it’s hard in the beginning, but afterwards you wonder why you didn’t give in earlier.

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Elke

Football, Verhalen

During games, I often have to endure a lot. “Transbitch, cunt …”, I’ve already heard all kinds of insults. One time I was on my way to score a goal, when suddenly the opponent tackled me really hard, without even having the ball. To the referee, I heard them say: “But that’s a man on the field we have to play against!”.

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Lucy

Rugby, Verhalen

During my first rugby season, I don’t think anyone knew I was gay, simply because it was not really something scandalous and no one felt the need to pressure me into labelling myself.

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Ashley Lynn

Fitness, Verhalen

I want to inspire people in more ways than just fitness. To do that, I couldn’t be afraid to be myself, because I know there will always be negative and rude people regardless. I want to show others to also not be afraid to be themselves. True happiness comes from being able to express who you are. To accept yourself and love yourself.

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Tom

Atletiek, Verhalen

I wish no one needed to ‘come out’ anymore and that’s the way I feel things are moving. The club and national team support everyone, from all backgrounds, not just gay people. If you want to come along, train hard and have fun then you are welcome.

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Emily

Fitness, Verhalen

The University of New Haven was an amazing place to be a gay athlete; we used to have a saying “she went to New Haven, and now she’s gay”, because there were so many lesbians there.

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FASHANU, the Football Star we still haven’t forgotten

Opinions

Exactly 20 years ago today, Justin Fashanu stepped out of life. The Briton, who caused a furore at Norwich City in the early 1980s, was in 1990 the first football player who came out. With this coming-out, Fashanu paved the way for many other LGBT athletes, but his confession also led to a lot of misunderstanding and prejudice.

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