22 LGBTQ+ Athletes Who Speak Out and Lead the Way
22 LGBTQ+ Athletes Who Are Speaking Out and Leading the Way — in Sports and Beyond
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Ryan O'Callaghan, a retired NFL player who played for the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs, has been open about the effect that homophobia had on his mental health. He constructed a plan to play football as long as he could, then kill himself rather than live as who he was. "I was convinced from a young age that my family would never love me if they knew who I really was," O'Callaghan said in 2019. A psychiatrist convinced him to come out to his family and friends, whose acceptance helped him find happiness.
"As long as there are people killing themselves because they are gay, there is a reason for people like me to share my story and try to help," O'Callaghan told Out Sports in 2017. "It's not always easy being honest, but I can tell you it's much easier and more enjoyable being yourself and not living a lie."
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal ideation or are at risk, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has several resources and a 24/7 lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.