Coming Out in Sports is Still Rare

Athletes often feel they can’t share their true selves with teammates, coaches and family members out of fear they will be judged differently. Take it from Professional 3x3 Basketball player, Marco Lehmann who recently came out to the public on January 15th. In his coming out story he said “It’s like in team sports, there are no gay men. Being gay in that setting is a taboo. People don’t talk about it and don’t stand behind it and this has to stop NOW. I had been switching personalities for so long now, that it was affecting my mental health.” Lehmann has joined a small number of professional athletes who have come out in order to be their true selves on and off the playing field. “In my opinion, an athlete can only perform at the highest level if he is at peace with himself.” You can read his story here. Thinking about coming out? This resource may help!