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It's looks like we'll have at least one out gay athlete on the soccer field leading the US Women's soccer team to the gold!
26-year-old (she turns 27 on Thursday!), Megan Rapinoe is officially out as a lesbian.
More after the jump.
Rapinoe tells OutSports, “I feel like sports in general are still homophobic, in the sense that not a lot of people are out. I feel everyone is really craving [for] people to come out. People want -- they need -- to see that there are people like me playing soccer for the good ol’ U.S. of A.”
She's so right. People, maybe even especially kids, NEED it.
Megan also spoke with USA Today’s Robert Klemko about her decision to come out now.
"To be honest I've been thinking about it for a while, trying to find a time that works, now leading up tot he Olympics, people want to get personal stories. Our team in general is in a position where people look up to us and kids look up to us. I embrace that and I think I have a huge LGBT following. I think it's pretty cool, the opportunity that I have, especially in sports. There's really not that many out athletes. It's important to be out and to live my life that way."
She continues: "It's about standing up and being counted and saying you're proud of who you are."
Rapinoe admits that the culture of sports makes it more difficult for closeted male athletes to come out, but said that "when a high-profile active athlete finally does come out, it will pave the way for others."
We're waiting!
Go Megan, we're thrilled to have you on our team!
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