Rugby star Keegan Hirst on coming out as gay
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- Опубликовано: 27 сен 2024
- Keegan Hirst became the first-ever professional rugby player to come out as gay whilst still playing the game. He sits down with me in this episode of Standing Proud to discuss how he came to the realisation that he was gay, the difficult journey to coming out and how he sought a "gayducation" to catch up and learn about the LGBTQ+ community he now found himself part of. Get ready to laugh, feel inspired and perhaps even shed a tear. The Standing Proud series s funded and produced by YMU to mark Pride season.
With people like you Riyadh and Keegan among our ranks, it's easy to be out & proud!
I found Keegan through his boyfriend Joel’s RUclips channel.
Beautiful couple.
What an incredibly natural strong and masculine personality Keegan has, well done just being you.
This is the kind of man I wished for as a bf when I was a kid but of course none of them would have come near me. This gives me hope for the younger generation where preferences come into play.
Gave me a lot of hope too. He is super inspirational isn’t he! X
@@RiyadhK as are you. 👍
I'm from a much older generation, but there is so much that resonates. I was mad on sports (still am) and coached kids in cricket, tennis and football. But that was a two edged sword, it was easy to appear "normal". In my case, I knew that I was gay even before puberty, but I had to wait until 32 before I acted on my sexuality. Luckily I didn't turn to drugs or drink, just kept busy with sports, read a lot, got into the arts etc, but my first sexual experiences were not easy and there were weeks of adjustment needed. It's almost as if, whenever, you come out, it's likely to take the form of a delayed adolescence, there are so many emotions that have to be coped with and worked out. Too many of us were denied the opportunity to do it when it should have been done : between the ages of 15 and 20.
Its never an easy thing to do, coming out. And you only get one crack at it. Once you've said it to someone for the first time it's a combination of relief and fear. Relief as you've finally let someone hear you say it but a fear also of the now unknown. Do/ will people or loved ones still look at me in the same light? And real stupid, Stupid stuff when you come out younger like What should I start to dress like, do I have to act a certain way now. What kind of music should I be listening too. Looking back now I'm older ( now 48) its like , what the hell ! What a load of crap! Just be yourself. Everyone is different. Dont try to stereotype yourself to fit. Its just your sexuality preference that your opening up about. Doesn't and shouldn't change who you are as a person.
OMB! Keegan is both blisteringly hot and totally empathetic. What a joy he's come through his trials and has a loved one. Can't think of anyone who deserves it more.
I actually met Riyadh a few years ago at mighty hoopla. He was with some friends, who I knew couple of people he was with. He looked at me like I was beneath him. Just another one those members of our community who think their above others. What you see on screen is not the same as you experience in real life.
we appear in every color of the human rainbow.
as a celibate gay buddhist monk, i'm so proud of both of you.
Lovely interview! So proud to have you as part of both my Irish and Queer community.
OMG you are back and with THIS
Hehe haaaay!
It is easy for someone, like Keegan Hirst, to be accepted into society. He is very masculine, tall muscular, good looking and "straight looking". A bully won't dare attack him. It is much more difficult for a thin, feminine acting male to navigate the course. This comment is not against Keegan but a reflection on society. I thank Keegan for really stepping up and taking an active role in the gay community. You can see and hear the sincerity in his voice and posture towards the gay community. This is just my opinion. What say you?
I am so proud of Keegan Hirst!! He is so brave!!!!
This was So very brilliant and Keegan Hirst is such an open-hearted and well-meaning human being.
What a great, intimate and valuable conversation!
It's really important and you seem a lovely empathetic listener.
best to you always ...
❤️,
K
i love this! we need more inclusivity in sports! x
Agree 1000%
Welcome back 🤩🤩🤩🤩
Thank you! Happy to be home 🥰
When I came out I was worried about telling my rugby teammates. None of them cared at all though. They never treated me any differently and we even used to have a a laugh and joke about it
Nice dude. What position did you play?
@@usarugbyleagueunionfan second row
Love this interview and this series! Keep going Riyadh! Can’t wait to see who’s next.
Laughter and tears here... thanks both guys!
This was beautiful ❤️
this was a great interview! well done
We want more !!
Is it me or is the audio volume on this video way too low? I've tried on tvs, tablets and phone. Difficult to hear and ive got reasonable hearing.
I thought that with the last one as well
Great video, I love this so much!! 🌈
Love this interview it’s a great piece
Always awesome Program Riyadh.
This is a VERY good point. I never needed to come out… my first ever record was Madonna, my first ever CD was Celine Dion. I’ve never needed to come out at work… (my ring tone is the Sex and the City ringtone). I honestly think it’s a blessing. My BF is (horrible cliche alert) straight acting. He finds the endless coming hard work. I come out when I open my mouth…
Keegan
Your powerful;sincere coming out revelation very
Moving.
You convey to lbgtq+ we all live under our rainbow 🌈
To live,share protect ,our experiences of what it is ob being GAY PROUD!
Luv your!
Dave
California USAA
This guy is true to himself and happy.
WHAT a nice man.
Keegan Hirst is LOVE. ❤️🥰
What a nice guy you are. Thankfully your now happier in your life , and your definitely a team player thanks for you honestly I am shall you will hell a lot of people out there. ❤️
Riyadh K you might have heard this already but the audio is really low on this upload. Other wise a great video
@Evan instagram.com/p/CQtcem0DOlV/
@Evan Here is a louder version of the interview on Riyadh K's Instagram story @Evan
I’m not a sports fan (rugby or otherwise)… cliche, I know. BUT… this was a great interview and conversation.
Loved this!
Video's sound volume might be to low for some people.
Keegan my dream boat of a man.
He's bi.
Awesome 👏
Yeehhh... ❤️❤️🔥
Sound quality is terrible yo!
1 year ago...🙃
🌈Gay all the way🌈
💕💕💕
Ryidah needs to interview Harry Styles?
❤❤❤
What a hunk
🙌🙌😘
Who is this Papi?
My husband...
Are you still around. Getting worried
He's died from COVID-19. RIP Sweet angel.
@@DemanaJaire When, I am showing nothing on any of his feeds.
@@DemanaJaire Why would you say such hurtful things? They're both fine, Larry (not sure which one you were asking about).
i saw your interview on youtube creators but it seems you stopped being consistent. four months? wtffffff?
I agree - we need exposure of more different types of gay guys. I found it difficult to accept myself because I wasn't a flamboy or over-feminine, so that gave me more questioning.
I agree 100%. In today's gay world it's all about flamboyant and over-the-top which doesn't represent all of us gays. There is a such thing of masculine gay guys and we are the minorities of the gay world today. If we say we are attracted to other masculine guys we are considered fem shaming or toxic masculinity when it's simply not the case most of the time. I find it interesting that the same feminine guys who likes to call out toxic masculinity are the same guys who lust over masculine guys, bi guys, DL guys and even str8 guys...you rarely see flamboyant/overly feminine guys going after other flamboyant/overly feminine guys. Do they not find guys just as themselves not attractive? Masculine gay guys need more representation within the gay community because even though there is nothing wrong with guys who like makeup, women's clothing, and idolize women artists and trying to be like them, all that doesn't represent all gay men and for masculine gay men it makes it harder to fit in, and to even exist anywhere. In the gay world, you're looked at as this thing to pounce on and you're automatically deemed a top and the dominant one. In the str8 world people assume you're str8 because you don't fit into the stereotypical image or idea of what a gay man is due to the lack of representation in the very community we are a part of. There is nothing wrong with being masculine and gay and there is nothing wrong with being attracted to other masculine gay guy and we shouldn't have to feel bad about that or be deemed toxic or have internal homophobia just because we are into being feminine. What do you think?
Yeah, same here...
Woman was made for man not man for man one way
💖💖💖
Still my beating heart! Keegan is my kind of guy. Also not sure if just me but the audio seems really quiet, had to turn my volume up quite a bit.
It's just that gay guys are more softly spoken. Just kidding.
@@paulybarr That's just how we seducey you to the gay agenda
Two very handsome gentlemen 🥰😍
Thank you, Keegan, for your honesty and openness. You are helping many young people in the same situation as you. Male sport really needs to acknowledge the fact that there are teammates who are gay but feel trapped because there is still homophobia pressuring them to remain silent through fear. When they do acknowledge it and become proactive and support gay players it will reduce anxiety and youth suicide.
Ian Roberts came out 1995. First rugby league player to come out.
Yeah ! I brought his autobiography at that time. He was super brave. The "Aids for the gays" stigma was still horrendous when he came out. And oh god ! It's less to say he was handsome !
I've seen him loads of times as he shops in my local supermarket. I never realised he was gay until someone mentioned that he was the rugby player who defied stereotypes and came out.
I've never spoken to him but it's amazing to know that he stood up for who he is and in the process gave others a voice too.
Well said! More sports personalities need to follow this guys example. Just let the world know who they really are. Fans will appreciate them more for their honesty. A person's sexuality does not affect their sportsmanship or their love of the game. More men in the football side of things need to follow this example. This is after all the twenty first century! Gay or straight , doesn't matter anymore.
No, gay men don't "hide" their feminity, some gay men are feminine, some are masculine and the fact of someone coming out is irrelevant with their masculinity and feminity.
Was pleased to read this comment: thank you. When I heard that comment at the beginning I was quite annoyed.
Some do. When I was in school I practiced moving like the most masculine jocks. I hated myself when I caught myself doing something that I felt looked effeminate. Once I saw myself playing in the ice in f family home movie (it was the 50s - no video -) and I thought I was behaving in a very effeminate way and I felt humiliated every time I even thought about that. It was a long hard slog getting past that feeling.
Tell Ryan Seacrest to come out already. So tired of hearing him saying he has a girlfriend
My god , now I know I’m not the only one who went through that , the suicide plans , that keegan spoke about was mine as well, when I was young boy George was the only “out” gay man , and I was nothing like him , so to have role models you can relate to will help so many young people, wish more sports men had to courage to come out and help our team,
Riyadhhhhhh you’re back!!! Such a delight, great interview!
Those years in between when you realise that you are gay and coming out are the worst
I know what you mean.
Dreadful set.
Don't like keegan. I met him in canal st and was a bit rude and obnoxious
Why? What happened?
Great interview, especially talking about those 'PCO' days - I identified with the "maybe it'll all go away" thing!
Still waiting for the first gay men's tennis player.
You are naturally great at interviewing people actually. Good job, you’ve got a lot of charisma!
Don't drop the soap lads lol 😆 😂 🤣
Who?
great interview
This is lovely, thank you
Another really interesting interview! Keegan seems a top bloke and Riyadh is just getting to be a pro at this interviewing game now!
Why does keegan ramind me of teninchtopx? Lmao 😂😂😂
Good Stuff My Dudes...
Great interview, heartwarming genuine thank you for sharing
💙💙💙
Thanks for the candid conversation
Thank you Keegan. You are an inspiration. I love your openness and strength. I have travelled your journey however didn’t have the strength to acknowledge my real self until much later in my life. You and Joel are great together. Cherish your kids and your time with him. Everything you say in this video are so spot on.
Did he ever get a bf?
Wow how brave. Breaking a woman’s heart and lying to your children because you couldn’t make your mind up if you like Willys
Yes, I was looking for this comment!! How some people are able to view cowardice as bravery is beyond me. It must feel awful for a child to learn that they were only created to serve as a prop in their father's illusion.
congratulations Keegan on being gay but don't force your opinions or beliefs on others or expect them to accept your life choices....as what you have said lately is not right at all....be happy with yourself and stop being a heterophobe
Rugby players coming out is so bourgeois passé now! How about a ballet dancer pretending to be gay so as to be taken seriously?!
LOL