QUESTION

What support systems are missing in collegiate/pro sports for both athletes and coaches to make more people feel accepted to be out and proud?

Answer

Hey Friend!

I think change is coming and that’s exciting. For right now, visibility is probably the most important thing. As more and more people come out in the sports world, that visibility will help tremendously. I think back to my time growing up and can’t recall a single Men’s Basketball Coach who was out. This made me nervous, this made me think that the life that I wanted to live wasn’t possible. I think with me it ultimately came to a point where I just got over what other people thought. I am gay, and I am a college basketball coach. I wanted to “have my cake and eat it too.” And so I decided to come out. I think as more people come out and find success in their sport, it will pave the way for more courageous people to follow their example!

Matt Lynch
He/Him

Matt Lynch is head coach at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie and the first publicly gay men's basketball coach in the NCAA.