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Collin Martin, Minnesota United FC midfielder, photographed in 2013. (Ricky Carioti / The Washington Post)
Major League Soccer midfielder Collin Martin came out Friday as a homosexual, publicly announcing his sexuality for the first time, although he said that he had been known for years by his family, his friends and his teammates.
Martin, 23, made the announcement on social media before his club, Minnesota United FC, "To support the LGBTQ + community.
"Today, I am proud that my entire team and the management of Minnesota United know that I am gay," Martin wrote in a message on Twitter. "I only received the kindness and acceptance of everyone in Major League Soccer and this made the decision to go out publicly a lot easier."
"I think I've been hesitant to post on social networks look around me – I'm the only gay athlete of the five major sports on the men's side," said Martin, a Bethesda native, at A telephone interview Friday "It's time."
Martin began talking to his family and friends about his sexuality at age 19. These conversations were nerve-wracking, he said. but the support that he received helped him to 21, then to his teammates and to the team leadership soon after.
He told his parents Monday that He was planning a public announcement to coincide with the end of the pride month and with the pride game of the team.We talked to him frankly, how would a parent talk with someone? to be public about something that, for many, is a private matter, "said his father Gerard Martin. "He felt strongly about it."
"The representation is huge," said Collin Martin. "Having models in any work place in any setting in life is important.The fact is that there are not enough professional athletes who are good role models for growing children who are gay.
"People need to know that no matter the sexuality, age, race.This has not happened yet. You will be well received in a team as long as you are a good teammate and you do your work every day. "
[ Devante Smith-Pelly, a black champion in a predominantly white league , kisses
Gerard Martin said that Collin's mother and he had told their son the same thing as Monday, what they did when Collin came out years ago.
" We love him, we support him," said Gerard Martin. "In our parenting role of all our children, we say, you take what they give you. You can not order things. They are what they are. We love him and we are proud of him.
Collin Martin is in his sixth season in MLS and second in Minnesota. The Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School graduate and All-Met 2011 selection entered the league in 2013 after a year of college at Wake Forest. He was transferred to George Washington and played professionally with DC United.
After four seasons without much playing time, United shipped it to Minnesota in exchange for a fourth-round pick of 2018.
He played 11 games with seven starts last season and six games with three starts this year.
"In light of my experience as a professional athlete," wrote Martin in his tweet, "I want to take this moment to encourage others. play sports professionally or otherwise to trust that the sport will welcome them wholeheartedly. June is the month of pride, and I'm proud to play for Pride, and play as a gay man. "
He is the second MLS player of recent years to come out during his playing career." Robbie Rogers announced that he was gay in 2013 and retired immediately, and three months later he announced his return to the game and was acquired by the Los Angeles Galaxy.
"Love this!" Rogers wrote Friday posting Martin's message. "So Inspiring."
Teammates also posted messages support, with a call Martin "an incredible person and an incredible teammate."
The professional football figures have cheered Martin's announcement.
Orlando City SC wrote to Martin on Twitter "You have the support of all of us in Orlando!"
Timbers Army, the official fan section of the Portland Timbers replied "You can not wear green and gold, but we are proud to know you, congratulations and congratulations." We admire the courage of Collin We are proud of him and the support of the football community, "said MLS Commissioner Don Garber in a statement
which was a relief, said Martin. in the morning knowing that his announcement was to be made public just before noon.He had prepared for all kinds of reactions, but also knew that he had a game to play Friday night, no matter the reaction. [19659026"OnceI'dclickedthisbuttonitwouldchangemylifeforme"hesaid"Itwasaweightthatwasliftedforsure"[19659027] Read more about The Post:
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