Among your conservative teammates, did any of those friendships get BETTER after coming out? Like you felt closer bc they appreciated the real you? Or was it all bad?
Even among conservative teammates, there might be those who, despite their political or cultural views, prioritize personal relationships and show strong support for you as an individual/teammate. Some teammates may surprise you with their acceptance and support, appreciating the courage it takes to be your true self. These individuals often value honesty and can feel closer to you because of your openness. I had a teammate who I thought didn’t like me, even before coming out, and after coming out, he became more open, and communicative towards me and I found out that he became protective of me. So you never know. However In many cases, coming out can reveal who your true friends are and help you build stronger, more authentic relationships. Balancing these dynamics can be challenging, but focusing on those who support and accept you will make the experience more positive.
CeCé Telfer is the first openly trans woman to win an NCAA title. She's also a social justice advocate, model and author of a new book, Make It Count.