Thread by @ThisIsMcCann

The journey to pride has been a long one for me. 🌈

I am proud to say I am a bisexual man working in sports media.

It shouldn’t matter, but we’re still in an era where it does - hopefully this helps others have less fear about who they are.

🏳️‍🌈#LoveIsLove🏳️‍🌈 #RainbowLaces

I grew up in a household where homophobia amongst other things was sadly common.

This meant I kept my feelings to myself out of fear.

Fear of abuse, discrimination, & being known professionally for my sexuality rather than my work.

Not any more.

🏳️‍🌈#LoveIsLove #RainbowLaces

I feel like I've found my true home & so much ❤️ in the #LGBTQ+ community.

I’ve realised that the best way to cause change is through visible representation, & that showing difference is a strength.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

🏳️‍🌈#LoveIsLove🏳️‍🌈 #RainbowLaces

🌈⚽📺🎙Spent my birthday last Sunday in my natural habitat, being my natural self - no better feeling!

The reaction to coming out, and the relief I’ve felt, has been beyond anything I'd imagined.

Huge thanks to everyone for the support.

Big love X

🏳️‍🌈 #RainbowLaces

It's #BiVisibilityDay and almost a year since I came out.

It was great to be asked by @SportsMediaLGBT to go on the @FvHyouth @FvHtweets pod, chatting with @Sam_AEC @itsthathannah openly about what it's like to be bi in football, the good and bad.

podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/fvh…

For those who prefer a write-up, it's nicely done by @jonboy79 here.

Thanks to @FvHtweets @FvHyouth @SportsMediaLGBT for having me on, and @Sam_AEC and @itsthathannah for their lovely company!

sportsmedialgbt.com/broadcasting-b…

#BiVisibilityDay #Bivisibilityday2021 #BiVisibility

🏳️‍🌈🌈#ComingOutDay #comingoutday2021
I hope one day we get to a place where 'coming out' isn't a thing.

As I said last December, we're still in an era where it is.

Never apologise for your identity. If people have an issue with it, they are only revealing their own prejudice.

🏳️‍🌈 🌈
Yesterday was #comingoutday2021 #ComingOutDay
Anyone who has come out though will tell you it's a journey, not a one day thing.
Since doing so I've had many ask questions along the lines of 'I want to help, what can I do to help change things/make it easier etc?'

- Call out homophobia when you hear/see it, even if that means having difficult conversations with friends, family and teammates. Pro-actively being a supportive ally makes a huge difference. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.

- Don't stereotype what a non-heterosexual person looks like or is. I was staggered at the amount of people who when I came out said things along the lines of being surprised because I'm quite sporty etc. Try to ask yourself 'am I leaning into an unhelpful stereotype here?'

- If you know someone who is in the LGBTQ+ community, tell them if they ever need someone to chat to that you're there. Sometimes more than anything it's quite powerful knowing you have someone in your corner if needed.

- Words are important. Language makes a huge difference to helping people feel included, or ensuring they feel excluded. If you're someone's private choices as an insult in any form just because 'oh I don't mean it like that etc', then you're not helping.

- Don't consider their sexuality some kind of sudden 'point of difference' to poke fun at them for. Whilst this might seem fun to you, it's highly likely to make someone incredibly uncomfortable.

- Be the change you want to see in the world. Set an example to others about being a supportive and respectful ally. You'll never know quite how many people you're helping by doing so.
@SportsMediaLGBT @Graces_Cricket
#AuthenticMe #Allies #ComingOut #ComingOutDay #LGBT #sport