Kevin Penrose has received a huge number of messages from other LGBTQ+ sports

Irish Daily Mirror

a day ago

Kevin Penrose, the GAA player and online influencer, has been inundated with messages of support from fellow LGBTQ+ individuals in rural Ireland since he bravely came out as gay.
He's been candid about his journey, discussing how he distanced himself from sports while grappling with his sexual identity.
Highlighting the significance of proper education and challenging inappropriate language, Kevin expressed his newfound joy in playing football again.
Kevin told RSVP Live: "It has been three years since I came out. When I first came out I got a lot of messages locally, people saying congratulations and well done. This year has been like coming out again, but this time to the nation.
"I have gotten an amount of messages from lads in rural communities who have been through the same journey, or are going through it. It puts it all into perspective about how common my story is and how people don't talk about it.
"It is nice when people message and ask for advice, it is no longer my story, it is their story as well.
"Hopefully more people will feel more comfortable to come forward and share their own stories. I feel like coming out is the last taboo subject within the GAA."
Kevin wanted to share his experience to help other people in similar situations, but comments sections of social media have asked why he feels the need to "come out" and why he doesn't focus on GAA.
He explained: "People ask why I have to come out and talk about my sexuality and not just play the sport. They don't see the other side of it and the experiences I had.
"I had to drop out because I didn't feel comfortable in that environment and I couldn't play to my full potential on the pitch.
"You see the same comments over and over online, but have these people even read the article or listened to the podcast. They see a headline and they just jump on it.
"They haven't taken the time to understand the story. They think nobody will see their comment.
"The only place I see comments like that is on Facebook, it is not the same on Instagram or TikTok. If that person saw you in the street they wouldn't come up and say it to your face."
Does he face much negativity online? "I have been on social media for years, so I don't look for it or maybe I am immune to it.
"You could end up down a dark rabbit hole. Most of the time it is a blank profile. If you engage with them it is unlikely they will change their minds."
Once Kevin came out, his friends and teammates reached out to him.
He said: "My closest friends said, 'Sorry you felt like that and we couldn't help, sorry you were suffering in silence.' I distanced myself from them and fell off the radar and, for them, they felt sad that I couldn't open up to them and come to them with my problems.
"I grew up with them and played with them week in, week out, so to go from that to no contact was hard.
"Everyone has been encouraging and they have reassured me that there is nothing to worry about."
Kevin has been able to call people out for using offensive language and he understands that it all comes down to education.
The Tyrone man said: "People who used terminology in the changing rooms or who engaged in conversations that might be seen as banter have apologised a few times. It comes down to a lack of education and experience.
"I am the first gay player in the club so they are wondering how to navigate that. They don't know what is right and what is wrong in terms of making me feel comfortable.
"I told them it is okay to ask questions and to open up conversations. When I first went back playing there were times where I had to call out some of the lads for their language, but they didn't realise they were wrong.
"I think that comes from years of not being called out. It is completely now, the comments and wrong language are non existent on the pitch and off the pitch.
"They are a lot more mindful and respectful, which is good. Hopefully that will continue with the younger generations coming up."
Kevin feels so much happier now he is back playing for his club Aghyaran again.
He said: "Back then, I was there physically, but I wasn't there mentally. I wasn't playing to my full potential. It got to the stage at age 17 and 18 where I was trying to make an impression with the senior team, but I was working for years and I wasn't getting the recognition or starting team.
"I wasn't getting game time. My first thought was to tell myself that I wasn't a good footballer. I know myself that I was a good footballer.
"I remember being nervous on my first session when I came back. My worries were gone though, I was just there to play football and I was thinking about what anyone was saying about me.
"I didn't feel like I needed to act in any way or talk about certain things just to fit it. I have worked very hard to get my starting position on the senior team and I haven't looked back since."
Kevin is gearing up for a busy Pride weekend in Dublin.
He said: "I am just back from a few days in Connemara. I had football at the end of the week and then I travelled to Dublin for Pride this weekend.
"I am hoping to make the parade if I am down in time and then I am going to the Mother Block Party."
Kevin was speaking at the launch of SuperValu's new limited edition Pride themed Bag for Life, which is on sale this month in outlets nationwide. All of the profits will be donated to Belong To, the national LGBTQ+ youth organisation.
He said: "SuperValu have worked with the GAA on campaigns for a number of years now. This one with Belong To fits perfectly with my story of coming out as gay.
"Belong To is a fantastic service and it's something I wish I knew about and had access to when I was growing up. I am delighted and honoured to have been asked to be part of the campaign so I can amplify and share my story.
"Hopefully someone else can take courage from it and navigate their own journey."