Welcome to the club, Jake Daniels! The Blackpool footballer, 17, has come out and became the only openly gay male professional footballer in Britain
“I just knew that was just such a long time of just lying and not being able to have what I want,” he said.
“Since I’ve come out to my family, my club and my teammates, that period of overthinking everything and the stress it created has gone. It was impacting my mental health.
“Now I am just confident and happy to be myself finally.”
Jake says he has received “amazing support” from his teammates after telling them about his sexuality. Congrats on a big step for yourself, and for other athletes out there. Hopefully this will encourage more to do so!
“Coming Out” is a HUGE decision! No one should do it just cause everyone else says so. There are many people potentially putting themselves in danger from this decision – physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, every other way. The “community” should be more careful in telling everyone to fling the doors open – there are also many horror stories when it was the wrong time/place/person. Good luck and Be Safe.