Jake Williamson is getting his message out there.
The former semi-pro soccer player from the U.K publicly came out as gay a couple of years ago; and since then, he’s been talking about his experiences to young LGBTQ+ athletes and sports fans all over England. To cap off Pride Month, Williamson recently made a couple of speeches around London as part of NOBULL’s “All Pride” team.
The attendees didn’t walk away disappointed.
“Surround yourself with people who inspire you. Great night interviewing Jake and listening to his inspiring story,” wrote one of them on Instagram. “The importance of LGBTQ+ representation in sport matters.”
Williamson first spoke publicly about his sexuality in December 2021, when he told the BBC LGBT Sports Podcast he was originally in denial of his same-sex attraction, due to the lack of out role models in male pro athletics.
“You push it so far to the back of your mind that you never act on any sort of urges, obviously, because you personally don’t think it’s OK,” he said. “It says a lot about role models and feeling accepted in a community when there isn’t really a community to be part of.”
With his own history in mind, Williamson wants to share his story with anybody who will listen. He doesn’t want any young gay soccer player or athlete to feel isolated or alienated from the sport they love.
Despite living a free and open life as a fitness influencer, Williamson has experienced discrimination in the sports space. In an interview last year with Pink News, he said some of his teammates in a weekend Birmingham league weren’t supportive when he first told them he was gay.
“I was completely shut out of the team,” Williamson said. “It’s bad enough that, in the society we live in, we get made to feel like we’re the worst thing on earth sometimes–so it’s not nice when your own football team just cuts you off.”
The taunts didn’t drive Williamson away from the field, however. They motivated him to keep showing up.
“It’s bad enough that, in the society we live in, we get made to feel like we’re the worst thing on earth sometimes, so it’s not nice when your own football team just cuts you off,” he said. “It didn’t stop me playing football but it was something that made me say: ‘Right, I need to address this rather than be sad about it.’”
That’s what Williamson accomplishes these days as an ambassador for Stonewall U.K., a widely known LGBTQ+ charitable organization. And his work is already paying off.
Last year, pro British soccer player Jake Daniels came out at the start of his career, when he was only 17 years old.
Williamson says Daniels’ courage shows he’s a special person.
Williamson is so focused on visibility, because he leaned on others in his coming out process, too. He says he didn’t feel encouraged to come out until he met his current partner, Paul.
While Williamson’s story continues to inspire, he’s also continued to enjoy incredible athletic success. He’s recently tried his hand at running, and took home silver at a recent event.
He’s also slated to compete in the fitness race, HYROX, which will be held in Spain in September.
Whether he’s speaking or sprinting, Williamson always manages to make us beam with joy.
Scroll down for more pics of this inspiring hottie…
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Driven features stories and interviews highlighting the thrill of the queer journey, celebrating tenacious LGBTQers whose courage to be themselves fuels their drive to succeed.
ShaverC
Inspirational. From being ashamed of himself, to bravely posting thirst traps, this is a fantastic Queerty story.
SientoCaer89
Yes they all want nothing but attention. Poor me i couldnt come out cause some big stud in sports hadnt. These people really need to learn personal life from your work life. But then they wouldnt get the attention they so crave or the “inspiring” story.
mikekey14
I agree with Shaver. Siento, crawl back under the rock you live under.
Rugby8
Mikeykey – you under the rock waiting for him?
Or, jealous?
Or, just another whiny Gen-Xer who Always Complains unless the attention is on them?
barryaksarben
lol at the troll sent who is using a pretty picture for their ugly soul. Just jealous she doesn’t have any “FRIENDS” lol
still_onthemark
Nice pix!
banditboy
Good for him being out, but seriously, anyone (gay or straight) who calls themselves an “influencer” is nothing more than a narcissistic person looking to cash in, not someone we want influencing others.
barryaksarben
more negativity from the miserable trolls on this site. This guy is Freaking hot and he is telling hi s journey and I will listen to anyone who has gone through something and is staying positive and not trying to tell others if their life is valid or not. try being happy for someone once without putting your. negativity on it
SDR94103
“The former semi-pro”
the twinks are at it again.
nm4047
so where’s the 5″ inseam?
PollyDarton
At first glance, I thought I knew who this was. I then clicked on the link and realized I have no idea….
barryaksarben
yes and NO ONE knows who you are except for the people who come here and see your negativity spewed all over yet again. This gu is so hot and is a success in his field while you — not so much