By SBNation Outsports

You can change the lives of LGBTQ athletes simply by telling your story. If you’re an LGBTQ athlete, coach or sports administrator, and you’re ready to share, we’d love for you to tell your story on Outsports.

At every event Outsports has hosted going back to the 2014 Nike LGBT Sports Summit, one of the recurring themes has been the importance of athletes, coaches and other people in sports coming out publicly. Those shared stories have been a beacon of hope for many of the LGBTQ athletes and coaches who attended the Summit. Some young athletes even said those shared stories saved their lives.

No one should come out publicly until they’re ready to do it. Coming out always has to be done in your own time. It always takes courage, because fear (particularly of the unknown) is always at play when anyone comes out. But if you think you might be ready to take the leap, there are millions of young people and adults you can help simply by sharing who you are.

Outsports Coming Out Stories

Over the years countless people in sports have come out publicly on Outsports. The organization continues to collect OUR stories. Every story resonates with someone else. High school swimmers are most impacted by stories of…high school swimmers. College lacrosse players are most impacted by stories of…college lacrosse players. Black athletes are inspired by stories of black athletes, women find strength in stories about other women. No matter who you are, sharing a piece of yourself with the world will help someone else find peace and happiness in their own life.

Authors can write their stories or the site will work with submittors to craft their story. Either way, standing up and being counted as an LGBTQ athlete or coach can have a powerful impact.

To see some of the many people who have shared their lives on Outsports, check out their entire section dedicated to Coming Out Stories online at outsports.com. Together, we’ll change someone’s world.

Athletes wishing to submit their stories can connect with Outsports on Twitter or via email and all communication with Outsports is completely confidential until the submittor is ready for it not to be.

Find Outsports online:
www.outsports.com

Share your coming out story:
outsports@gmail.com

Originally published by Outsports
Updated September 7, 2020

This article was originally published in the Sports & Recreation Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.