Professional ice hockey player Zach Sullivan of the Manchester Storm came out as bisexual this weekend.
As the Elite Ice Hockey League held its first official Pride weekend promoting diversity and inclusivity in the sport, Sullivan took to his social media to share his message.
#PrideWeekend #ICanPlay #YouCanPlay @officialEIHL @Mcr_Storm pic.twitter.com/2FH6AtDZ4f
— Zach Sullivan (@ZachSully11) January 26, 2020
“I have battled with mental health problems over this issue and with the support, understanding and acceptance from my family, friends and teammates, I finally feel ready to say: I’m bisexual,” wrote the 25-year-old athlete.
He added he has “never been more proud to wear a jersey before, especially one that celebrates all gender identities and sexualities.”
The responses on social media were overwhelmingly positive. Not only from his fans, but his team, the Elite Ice Hockey League, and more.
Ryan Finnerty, head coach for the Manchester Storm, tweeted his support writing, “His strength and courage will inspire the youth of tomorrow.”
As a Coach and Organisation we could not be more proud of @ZachSully11 today. His strength & courage will inspire the youth of tomorrow. #ifyoucanplayyoucanplay https://t.co/BDqnTtH9gD
— Ryan Finnerty (@Finner16) January 26, 2020
We are all extremely proud of you, Zach! You're a role model for so many people, young and old, in the sporting world. Someone knowing they can be themselves is a true testament to everything our club and sport stand for.#WeAreStorm | #Manchester | #Pride https://t.co/x4UuWXzo7M
— Manchester Storm | #TakeShelter (@Mcr_Storm) January 26, 2020
Super proud of you, Zach! 🤗
— Elite Ice hockey League | #EIHL (@officialEIHL) January 26, 2020
Proud of you mate, good for you. Really goes to show hockey is for everyone 🏳️🌈 #PrideWeekend https://t.co/lTA2KCi4p1
— Craig Peacock (@peaks71) January 26, 2020
Respect @ZachSully11 from all of us back at the Invicta Dynamos. 👊 #PrideWeekend #YouCanPlay
— InvictaDynamos (@InvictaDynamos) January 26, 2020
Sullivan told the BBC’s Radio Manchester that while his sport is hyper-masculine he realized he had “quite the opportunity with it being the first-ever EIHL Pride weekend.”
He also shared his hope that if he can come out “maybe it will help someone who is going through the same problem, going through the same situation.”
'It's taken me a long time, but I'm now at a position in my life where I am comfortable with who I am.'@Mcr_Storm's @ZachSully11 talks he decision to come out as bisexual and why he hopes he can be an inspiration to others.
👏🏳️🌈 pic.twitter.com/k2UbiyJq2T
— BBC Sport Manchester (@BBCRMsport) January 27, 2020
