Steven Davies, a 24-yer-old professional English cricket player, has become the sport’s first player to publicly come out. He tells the Daily Telegraph that he came out to his family five years ago, and is coming out publicly because “I just felt it was the right time for me. It’s something I wanted to do for a long time. I’ve been comfortable with it now for a couple years. … If more people do it, the more acceptable it will become. That must be a good thing. … To speak out is a massive relief for me, but if I can just help one person to deal with their sexuality then that’s all I care about.” One of the hardest things about hiding his sexuality? The locker room, especially during extended tours where he’d have to keep secret that thing, while also avoiding any awkwardness and speculation. His teammates, Davies says, have been wonderful and accepting.
Gregger
Good for him, being able to lead an honest life is wonderfully easier than living a lie.
justiceontherocks
Good for him.
Harbo
Brave man!!! He has my respect. He’s absolutely right. Speaking out is difficult. But after you’ve done, that sense of relief is almost overwhelming. No more hiding, no more lies. I wouldn’t go back into the closet for the world. I lost a couple of friends, but gained many more.
merkin
I know what cricket is and how popular it is in the UK and former colonies, but what is cricket culture like? I mean, Im wondering what kind of reaction he’s going to get from fans and other players. Is it considered a manly “British” sport, or is more accepting? Just curious
Cam
Congratulations!
EdWoody
@merkin: Cricket is known as “the gentleman’s sport.” The atmosphere on the field is the absolute opposite of a soccer pitch – there is no such thing as a “cricket hooligan.” My father is a professional umpire, and I can’t imagine any overt homophobia being expressed by players or fans. At most, it would be the older generation’s mild discomfort with something unfamiliar, and not anything near the virulent hatred of soccer or baseball crowds.
Francis
Great! Congrats Steven!
Oprah
He didnt have to come out. lol I know he is effeminate and all.(look at his countenance and his sitting posture). I mean, he hails from the uk, they all look gay over there. lol He could have gotten away with it.
PS I am kidding. Good for him to come out. You go girl.
kayla
As the spawn of a British man and West Indian woman (West Indians are obsessively and completely crazy, I mean crazy about cricket!), I find him quite courageous and wish him the best! Hopefully others will follow suit.