We love a good coming out story, especially in college athletics. More and more we’re starting to see a shift in how homosexuality is perceived on and off the field in America, and the more stories are shared, the wider affect they’ll have on gay athletes and their straight teammates.
Last week we shared Drew University baseball player Matt Kaplan’s touchingly undramatic voyage out of the closet, and now we’re happy to congratulate University of Virginia varsity swimmer Parker Camp on his choice to go public with being gay.
The 22-year-old wrote a lengthy first person account for Outsports, in which he says his teammates were entirely supportive — amazing — though coming out to his family took a leap of faith. Here are some highlights:
On deciding to pull the trigger:
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“I imagined the relief I would feel being open with who I was. I could live a life true to myself. I could be happy. The moment I came to this realization, there was no turning back. I wanted to tell the world.”
On his sister’s reaction:
“After a few minutes of questions and finally being convinced, she broke down crying. It caught me off guard and I thought maybe I was hearing static. I asked if she was crying and she was able to choke out a short sentence: ‘I’m just so happy for you.'”
His older brother’s text the night Parker came out to him:
“We are the definition of a modern family. The grandparents who spent a lifetime together, divorced parents that are polar opposites, the gay kid, the hardcore hipster girl, the everyday church goer, and whatever I am. And I wouldn’t trade it for any other family in the world.”
Congrats, Parker.
Read the full story here.
Dakotahgeo
This makes my heart sing! All best to Parker and the thousands who will follow him!
SteveDenver
Hurray for all these young people who realize exactly who they are and are brave enough to come out.
In the full version of the article, there’s a lot of apology for being gay in his letter to his mom. His little brother has the gall to say he loves him, but doesn’t “agree” with homosexuality.
For anyone contemplating coming out: give information, do not seek approval.
Why do Christians seem to think their disapproval is so valuable? What arrogance and condescension.
dougmc92
my dad was on the UVA swim team- was VERY conservative back then- mid 80s…and very misognyist….good to see the evovlotion!
Dakotahgeo
@SteveDenver: If you had stated, “Why do SOME Christians….” The world and the USA are changing every day. You paint with waaaay too broad a brush. Do some research and you won’t appear “wanting.”
Harley
@SteveDenver: Only the FOX new watching Christians hate you. FOX news seems to be the only ones lambasting the airwaves with the “WAR on Christians” drumbeats these days. If it wasn’t for their hatred of all things gays and Obama they wouldn’t have a reason to exist.