"Yes, I’m an athlete. Yes, I’m gay. Yes, I probably kicked your ass on the field."

[WillParkinson]

Gay high school football player finds acceptance amid homophobia in rural America

Editor’s note: Jeremy is a high school football player in rural America. Outsports knows his full identity, including what school he goes to, but is only using a first name for reasons that will be clear when you read the story. Jeremy also has a fantastic blog, “Standing Up Speaking Now,” where he chronicles his coming out.

By Jeremy

My name is Jeremy. I’m 17 and a junior in high school. I’m a good student, a driven guy with ambitions, a football player, a track runner, and I’m gay. Saying the latter has always been a challenge, and up until recently I couldn’t accept it; thankfully that’s changed.

I’m not publicly out for several reasons. I live in one of the most rural, conservative spots in the country, where homophobia runs rampant. I also happen to be the son of a prominent Southern Baptist preacher. My town, team and family make my situation fairly tough and I still face a lot of obstacles, including rumors being spread about me at school. But even here I have found acceptance and it’s time for me to speak up.

I play sports and I’m into dudes. At any given time, you will find me either running track or playing football. I’ve played football on the varsity level since freshmen year and have put my heart and soul into every practice and game on Friday nights. I start on defense and helped our team advance two rounds into the state playoffs. I’ve been on varsity track since seventh grade. I was so competitive that the high school track coach pulled me up to compete against high schoolers, and I was placed in invitationals over seniors.

http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2012/02/14/gay-high-school-football-player-finds-acceptance-amid-homophobia-in-rural-america/

[msongs]

1. ummm if he is telling dozens of people at his school, he is "out" nt

[WillParkinson]

4. I disagree...

When I was a teen there were many people who I told that I was gay, but I wasn't 'out'. Family members didn't know, only close friends were aware. It took me a long while to get to the point where I felt I was 'out' and completely comfortable with who I was.

[William769]

2. I love stories like this.

[Skittles]

3. reminds me of an old coworker of mine

he admitted that as a young Marine decades before he would "bash queers" - and I mean physically - when I asked him why he stopped, he said a gay man - one of his intended victims - had royally kicked his ass. He said after that, he stopped stereotyping gay guys and eventually had gay friends and it killed his homophobia.

[WillParkinson]

5. Well, now I know where you learned it...

[Skittles]

6. WOOT!

aw heck, I have been ass-kicking homophobia for a LONG time

[HillWilliam]

7. He's a really good writer.

I followed all the way to his blog. He has written some really poignant and heart-filled posts. I had to leave a post of encouragement. His blog is on my follow-list. I'm looking forward to reading about his journey.

The younger generation's courage really inspires me. They're really going at equality in a way my generation couldn't -- or didn't dare. It ain't easy growing up in the hills as it is. It was ever so much worse growing up gay in the hills. The fact that younger folks are not accepting any less than their full potential and complete personhood gives me hope we'll all finally be able live life as we're designed to do.

[Rowdyboy]

8. What guts....the kid deserves great respect....He's more mature at 17 than I was at 27....

Tough luck about the knee injuries though.

[WillParkinson]

9. Oh, please...

He's more mature than you are now.

(Just kidding!)

[Rowdyboy]

10. You know you're damned close to right!

Here's to staying young in spirit forever!

[WillParkinson]

11. Oh, I am so with you brother!

I may grow old, but I'll never grow up.

[Marrah_G]

12. This young man is really courageous.

I look forward to a day when no one ever has to hide who they are, who they love.