Rugby star Keegan Hurst announces his homosexuality – QX

Rugby star Keegan Hurst announces his homosexuality

In an interview with the British newspaper Sunday Mirror, Hirst spoke about the struggle between building a career in rugby and hiding his sexuality from his wife, with whom he has two children.

– At first I couldn't even think that I was gay, let alone say it out loud, says Hirst in an interview with the Sunday Mirror.

Hirst recounts what went through his mind when he began to doubt that he liked boys:

– I have a wife and children, I worked as a construction worker and in a factory, and I play rugby. You touched everything on the manhood scale. How can I be gay? I'm from Batley, for God's sake, no one from Batley is gay!

Hurst hopes his choice to come out will help other athletes dealing with similar feelings or situations.

Now, on Sunday, Hurst plays his first game since being taken off the court, and he is prepared for the possibility of booing and hate from rivals and fans. But from the rugby club and his teammates there has been nothing but positive feedback and support.

Wales rugby player Gareth Thomas came out as gay in 2009But he retired from the world of professional sports.

Help us out

In order for QX as a monthly and news magazine to continue giving a voice to the Rainbow community in all its wonderful breadth, we need your support!

As a subscriber, you receive the monthly magazine digitally before anyone else and can also choose to have it delivered to your home. With your support, we can still get out!

Support us here