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Soccer player Megan Rapinoe and WNBA star Sue Bird have become the first openly gay couple to appear on the cover of ESPN's iconic number.
"It's important that people go out, visibility is important," said 32-year-old Rapinoe, Jemele Hill in an interview published Monday. "It is important that there is a first on the cover [of the body issue], or whatever. Just in terms of culture and society, someone must do it. "
Rapinoe, a striker of the US National Women's Team, and Bird, leader of the Seattle storm, made their relationship public last year. The two discussed how honored they are to be the first openly gay couple featured in the body issue.
"I think that none of us really wants to do things and say to ourselves, 'We are the gay couple,' said Rapinoe." But having this really unique vehicle to do it, to celebrate who we are in our sport, but also the fact that we will be the first gay couple, is really special. It's pretty amazing to think, especially in the times when we are. Think only of the distance we have traveled, but also the current climate and challenge. Not only are we female athletes, but we go out together too. It's a little badass. "
Bird, 37, added that she hopes that in the future, a gay couple appearing in a magazine will not be new and will just be normal.
"I think I have a gay couple on [the cover]I hope this will become the norm. You do not want it to be a problem. You want it to be just "Oh, another couple is out there." You know, I think for us, it's the first step in that direction, "she said.
Rapinoe has been a strong advocate for equal pay, gender equality and LGBTQ rights. In the past, Bird said, she was more shy about her private life than her partner. Her family and friends knew that she was gay, but she never felt the need to publicly declare her sexuality.
"But it's not the same as going out – it's really not – being around Megan, I've learned that," she said. come out, just see the reactions. People come directly to me. I think there is something really powerful about it. For some who may not have known that I was gay, I think it makes a lot of sense, and it changes the perception of some people about what is gay. "
Scroll below to see behind-the-scenes photos (some of which are NSFW) from the ESPN movie.
ESPN The Magazine / Photo by Eric Lutzens Rapinoe and Bird at the photo shoot. "It's important that people go out, visibility is important," says Rapinoe.
ESPN The Magazine / Photo by Eric Lutzens Bird and Rapinoe pose for ESPN magazine. Bird says she hopes that in the future, a gay couple appearing in a magazine will not be new.
ESPN The Magazine / Photo by Eric Lutzens Rapinoe and Bird made their relationship public last year.
ESPN The Magazine / Photo by Eric Lutzens Rapinoe has been a strong advocate for equal pay, gender equality and LGBTQ rights.
ESPN The Magazine / Photo by Eric Lutzens Bird and Rapinoe discuss the ESPN body question how honored they are to be the first openly gay couple on the list.
Head over here to see more photos from the Rapinoe and Bird photo shoot or go to ESPN to read the full interview.
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