Saturday the Guardian reported Cardiff Blues player Gareth Thomas officially came out of the closet and is the first professional player to do so while still active. It was a decision based on both emotional turmoil and good will. “It’s been really tough for me, hiding who I really am and I don’t want it to be like that for the next young person who wants to play rugby or some frightened young kid,” he said.
His ex-wife talked about Thomas with the Daily Mail.
I asked Jonn Thurman, the outgoing captain of the Dallas Diablos (our very own gay rugby team), his thoughts and he had this to say.
“Good for him. I was surprised what he went through while he was hiding his sexuality. It is reassuring to see he and his ex have remained friends. Unfortunately, like several others in the sporting world, they feel they have to hide their true selves and become “one of the boys”. Having to hide yourself for fear of retaliation or loss of being able to play a sport that you love is a huge burden to bear and far too common in the world of sports. Thankfully with the increasing numbers of prominently gay, but inclusive clubs, such as the Dallas Diablos and other rugby clubs from all over the world, we can come together and play the sport so many of us have grown to love. If only professional sports clubs can catch up and see the stigma against gay sports players in nothing to fear. Gay or not, we are all ‘just one of the boys.'”
GRRRRRRRugby
Let’s hope macho footballers do the same now. Statistically, there should be at least 50 premier league footballers who feel unable to ‘come out’. Don’t blame them really seeing as it’s still very much regarded as a sport of homophobes…leastwise on the terraces.
Alfie my boy….I think most of Wales had a good idea u were gay for about 10 years……and it made absolutely no difference to us …..we still love u man !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had a mate who I was the first person he told…and can understand the inner pressures you must have felt….. but its better out then in man….. abd wish u the best
Australian rugby league player Ian Roberts was the first professional rugby player to “come out” while stil active. He came out publicly back in 1995. The first major “name” in world team sports to “come out” was Justin Fashinu, the English soccer player. He “came out” in The Sun newspaper in October 1990 when his “glory days” as a player were over. The following day, he started a trial with Newcastle United (he never signed with the club). But he only made one first team appearance. The rest of his career as a player was with lower-level clubs. He was the target of homophobic abuse from the terraces and his brother, John, also a soccer player, disowned him. His career in soccer as a player and coach wound down in Sweden, Australia, New Zealand and USA. He committed suicide in London in May 1998.
Rugby Union is the national sport of Wales (and the second favourite sport on Britain). So the Thomas “coming out” is a major event as the former Wales captain is still playing at the top level.
Well Done Gareth Thomas (Alfie) – It is a very long step to take as one of the worlds leading sportsmen. It is a short step now for other well known sportsmen and women to take the initiative and set an example that you do not have to be straight to be the best. It is people like Alfie who should have done this years ago I so much respect the guy who respresents everything that is important to me including honesty, sincerity and confidence.
Many congratulations on your coming out. I am a gay man and fortunately for me in my industry being gay has never been an issue. All credit to you for coming out in a far more prejudiced environment. Your example is wonderful. I wish you every happiness.
Go Gareth go! You’re as hot a rugby player as a sexy gay man! You keep strong & know that we are all supporting your decision.