Megan Rapinoe is making us proud.
The American soccer player is currently on an incredible streak in the the Women’s World Cup. The openly LGBTQ winger playing for the Seattle Reign has seen her team win ten games in a row at the international championships. This has made the American team a new record-maker for the tournament. Plus, the team has made it to the semi-finals after beating France 2-1.
MORGAN ➡️ HEATH ➡️ RAPINOE
A wonderful team goal doubles the @USWNT's lead! #FIFAWWC 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/B9OGQIKzSP
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 28, 2019
But its what Rapinoe said after the game against France that has us cheering. After the game, Rapinoe was asked to comment on whether it being Pride month made her contribution more personally significant. Her response was:
“Go gays! You can’t win a championship without gays on your team – it’s never been done before, ever. That’s science, right there!”
She then added:
“I’m motivated by people who like me, who are fighting for the same things. I take more energy from that than from trying to prove anyone wrong. That’s draining on yourself. But for me, to be gay and fabulous, during Pride month at the World Cup, is nice.”
Rapinoe’s outspoken bravado and athletic prowess has garnered her plenty of fans. And that includes one Hollywood star. After Rapinoe’s game-winning goal, Zac Efron announced that he’ll be dying his hair in her honor. “I’m dying my hair purple,” shared the star.
I’m dying my hair purple. Let’s go!! #USWMNT #Rapinoe ❤️
— Zac Efron (@ZacEfron) June 28, 2019
But not everyone’s a fan. Megan Rapinoe has butt heads with U.S. President Donald Trump because of her personality and morals. Rapinoe said during a cover-shoot in January that she does not think her team would be invited to the White House if they won the World Cup. And if they did, she certainly wouldn’t attend.
“I’m not going to the f—— White House,” Rapinoe said in a video clip.
After the video went viral, Trump responded by saying Rapinoe had done a disservice to “our country.”
“I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS,” Trump tweeted. “Finish the job! We haven’t yet invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose.”
“Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team,” Trump added. “Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!”
The abandoned Twitter account for Rapinoe’s brand was then hacked by a Trump supporter who reformatted the account.
Despite some pushback, Megan Rapinoe is an outstanding player on an outrageous team and she is being outspoken in her identity as a gay woman. What’s not to love?
