October 24, 2024
I was recently featured in Outsports about my journey in professional soccer.
I wanted to share some excerpts from the article that really stood out to me, but I encourage you to read the full story here.
Here’s what they wrote about my current season:
Collin Martin has experienced many complexities of coming out in men’s sports. Yet the out gay athlete still thinks the current situation of invisibility is “crazy” in the U.S. major leagues.
Being An Out Athlete
The article points out something that still surprises me – how few openly gay athletes there are in major sports.
Here’s what they wrote about it:
The total number of active players on rosters in the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS combined in any one season is around 5,000.
Six years ago, Martin became the sole representation for gay and bi men in elite soccer at that time, when he came out publicly while with Minnesota United. Carl Nassib has since come out and gone in the NFL.
While I understand why some players want to keep their private life private, I’m happy being open about who I am.
New Life in North Carolina
One of the best parts of this year has been moving to North Carolina with my boyfriend, Zach.
The article captured this new chapter perfectly:
“Moving across the country, into a home with my partner, I feel like this is a whole new level in my professional life,” says Martin, who will celebrate his 30th birthday in early November.
“We moved in earlier this year and have outfitted a home here in Raleigh and I think we’ve both grown a ton this year. It’s the first time I’ve moved in with a partner, and the same with him.”
Making a Difference
Beyond playing, I’m committed to making soccer more welcoming for everyone.
Here’s how the article described my approach:
“I don’t take my being out lightly and I know that I can make a difference in different ways,” says Martin.
“Sometimes I’m having more of an impact on my locker room itself and what that means to be an out player there, as the representative of a large diverse community, just trying to change hearts and minds.”
What’s Next
I’ve got another year on my contract, and I’m excited about the future.
As quoted in the article:
“I’ve got another year on my contract, so I’ll continue playing and I hope to continue to be the out player that we need and a shining example of what that visibility means.”
The full article on Outsports.com goes into more detail about my season with North Carolina FC and includes more about my life both on and off the field.
You can also read more on my interview with the Football v Homophobia Podcast.