February 4, 2025
This post reflects on experiences recently featured in a news article. Read the original article here.
When I decided to publicly come out in 2018, wrapping myself in a rainbow flag for that X/Twitter announcement, I couldn’t have predicted how it would reshape my life both on and off the field.
Being visible as an openly gay athlete in men’s professional sports continues to be surprisingly rare, and my journey has taught me why those barriers persist.
A Pivotal Moment of Allyship
Many people ask about the 2020 incident with my San Diego Loyal teammates.
During a match, when an opponent directed homophobic language at me, something extraordinary happened—my entire team, led by my former manager Landon Donovan, made the decision to walk off the field in protest, forfeiting the match.
What was truly powerful was having Landon stick up for me—someone who has played the game at the highest level.
The emotion of that moment was captured by Shannon MacMillan, a former Olympian and World Cup player, who said shakily on the broadcast:
“This is a group of guys that will support each other to the end.”
That moment of solidarity transformed my understanding of what true allyship looks like.
Having teammates who were willing to sacrifice a competitive opportunity to stand against discrimination showed me the positive change possible in sports culture.
Moving the Conversation Forward
The reality I’ve observed is that many athletes still calculate that coming out carries substantial risk—concerns about sponsorships, team dynamics, fan reactions, and family considerations weigh heavily.
These invisible barriers demonstrate why representation matters so deeply. Today, as I play for North Carolina FC, my perspective has evolved.
I’ve expanded my advocacy beyond the field through speaking engagements with young players, participation in pride events, and even political engagement.
Looking Ahead
While I can’t predict where my path leads after soccer, I remain committed to creating spaces where athletes can bring their full selves to their sport.
Jacob Reitan, a Minnesota attorney and gay rights activist, has suggested I might have a future in politics, saying:
“He would make a fantastic politician. He’s got the right amount of passion and energy, but also a calmness to him that I think serves politicians well.”
That night, as fans stood cheering and rainbow flags waved after my announcement, I saw the true power of visibility.
My father’s simple tweet after I came out touched me deeply:
“Collin, proud of you and what you stand for. Love Dad.”
Sports culture is changing, but that change requires both brave individuals and supportive communities. I’m grateful to be part of both conversations.
Interested in reading more about this story? Read the full article here for additional details and context about my journey in professional soccer.