July 2, 2022
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Kailen Sheridan for an open and honest conversation about our experiences as LGBTQ+ athletes.
As teammates at San Diego, we’ve both navigated different journeys in professional sports, and this was a chance to explore those paths together, sharing insights that rarely get discussed publicly.
Our conversation covered everything from coming out experiences and family reactions to the unique challenges of being your authentic self in locker room environments. We discussed the importance of visibility, education, and creating safe spaces in sports for athletes of all identities.
Key Takeaways
This conversation with Kailen revealed several important insights about the LGBTQ+ experience in professional sports and the progress we’re still working toward.
- Visibility Matters: We discussed how seeing others live authentically creates pathways for others. Kailen shared: “If we can have more people to be brave like you and like him and like the people before me, because I feel like I didn’t have to be because of them, you know, and we can just have people living happier and more authentic lives.” This visibility can make all the difference for young athletes looking for role models.
- Coming Out Journeys: There’s no single way to come out. As Kailen put it, “It’s so personal. It’s like what you feel comfortable with, what is going to help you just be you and live more truthfully.” Whether it’s a public announcement or simply living openly, the goal is authenticity.
- Locker Room Culture: The locker room can be both a place of profound acceptance and challenging territory. Both Kailen and I experienced times when we felt uncomfortable due to language or assumptions. Creating respectful environments starts with education and honest conversations.
- Family Acceptance: We both shared stories about our families’ initial reactions and adjustment periods. The fear, confusion, and eventual acceptance are common experiences, with Kailen noting: “I think it took longer than both of us wanted to. But at the end of the day, we did talk and sat down and hashed it out.”
- Looking Forward: We both envision a future where these conversations might not be necessary. As Kailen said, “Ideally, this isn’t a conversation that we have… when you’re going through those phases of your life where you start to romantically connect with people, you just are open and don’t have to say, ‘Well, I have to tell you something.'”
Video
If you’d like to watch our full conversation rather than read the highlights, click here to watch it on YouTube.
Or watch the video below:
Conclusion
This conversation reinforced for me why visibility and honest dialogue are so crucial in sports.
As I shared with Kailen, one of the most meaningful moments in my career came after I came out on Pride Night, when a teenager told me they found the courage to come out to their mother after seeing my statement. “And that’s a big part of that journey,” Kailen responded. “That is a very big step. And you gave him courage.”
These are the reasons we continue to share our stories and advocate for acceptance. It’s not about any “special moment” but about creating space for others to live authentically too.