Out Rugby Player Keegan Hirst: I've Spoken To Gay Athletes Who Want To Come Out

Speaking to Gay Star News, rugby Keegan Hirst says since he came out in 2015, he's counseled several closeted athletes from different sports who would like to come out but don't feel ready.

Have you spoken to any closeted gay sportsmen?

I’ve had conversations with guys, and I’ve given advice. I’ve said how I found it. There’s been a few guys from a few different sports.

Do you think there is more pressure on people to stay closeted in sports?

I think it is. It’s a lot more focused on football players, probably because there’s a lot more money involved. While it shouldn’t matter who you date, it does. There’s also a big following in football. There’s a big call for people to come out, but it’s a personal thing. We’ve got to make it a good environment for someone to come out before it can actually happen.

What advice have you given to sportsmen in the closet?

You’ve just got to be in the right frame of mind. It doesn’t matter if you’re a sporstman or Joe Bloggs who works 9 to 5. You’ve got to be comfortable in your own skin. And have a good people around you. Do it when you’re ready to do it.

The woofy 29-year-old will soon make his debut for Wakefield Trinity, when he'll become the first openly gay English rugby player since Gareth Thomas to play Super League.

Out Rugby Player Keegan Hirst On Other Athletes Coming Out

In an recent interview with GuysLikeU, out rugby player Keegan Hirst says we'll see an out footballer when the right guy feels ready, and to "force" someone out of the closet wouldn't be fair.

"When they’re ready to. I don’t think its fair to try and force it.

"A person, whoever they are, can only come out when they want to. They’ll feel the same as anybody else does before they come out.

"But if a regular guy has 100 people to come out to, to be possibly rejected by, footballers have 50,000 people who they feel may reject them.

"I think only when they’re totally comfortable with their situation will you get a footballer who publicly comes out."

And speaking of fair, I don't think it would be fair to bring up the handsome Hirst without revisiting this "behind-the-scenes" of his photo shoot for Attitude Magazine.

Behind The Scenes: Out Rugby Player Keegan Hirst's Wet & Wild Photo Shoot

Out British rugby player Keegan Hirst gets wet and wild during his photo shoot for the cover of Attitude Magazine.

#Woof

News Round-Up: August 29, 2016

Some news stories you may have missed:

• After Republicans bashing First Lady Michelle Obama for years as having "no class," meet possible First Lady Melania Trump.

• Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro says early rumors for him to be Hillary Clinton's running mate "flattering." I say it's a definite possibility.

• The Democratic National Committee unanimously approved a resolution supporting marriage equality, along with over 60% of the country. The Republicans still think they can turn back time.

• Bill Maher to Josh Duggar: "Dude, you're just horny."

• Calgary bus driver refuses to drive rainbow-covered Pride bus because "religion." So, basically, no one wants to do their job these days?

• Newly out rugby player (and hottie) Keegan Hirst celebrates at Manchester Pride.

Keegan Hirst

England's First Out Pro Rugby Player Keegan Hirst Talks To BBC2

The captain of Rugby League Championship side Batley Bulldogs, Keegan Hirst, talks with BBC2 about why he has decided to announce publicly that he is gay.

Keegan Hirst hopes his decision will encourage other rugby league players to speak openly about their emotions.

"I just thought it was a phase ... it was inconceivable for me to be gay... but it was time to be true to myself."

English Rugby Star Keegan Hirst Comes Out As Gay

Keegan Hirst, 27 year old Rugby League player, has become the first English professional in the sport to come out.

From the Mirror:

Speaking exclusively to the Sunday Mirror, the dad of two tells of the moment he finally found the words to explain to his wife the reason they could no longer be together.

And he talks emotionally of the support he got, not only from her but also from his rugby team-mates.

The 6ft 4in captain of West ­Yorkshire side Batley Bulldogs said: “At first I couldn’t even say ‘I’m gay’ in my head, let alone out loud.

“Now I feel like I’m letting out a long breath that I’ve held in for a long time.”

Speaking for the first time about coming to terms with being gay, Keegan adds: “I had a wife and kids. I’ve been a builder, doorman, worked in factories – I play rugby.

“I tick every macho box. How could I be gay? I’m from Batley for goodness sake. No one is gay in Batley.”

And he reveals: “The only time I felt free of the torment was when I stepped on the rugby pitch. Now I feel free.”

Later, Hirst tweeted out his thanks for the strong support he's received today:

Congrats to Keegan for living his life openly and being authentic to himself.