{"id":67857,"date":"2018-04-30T08:25:28","date_gmt":"2018-04-30T12:25:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gayfriendschat.com\/socialblog\/squash-player-todd-harrity-makes-history-becoming-sports-first-openly-gay-male-pro\/"},"modified":"2018-04-30T08:25:28","modified_gmt":"2018-04-30T12:25:28","slug":"squash-player-todd-harrity-makes-history-becoming-sports-first-openly-gay-male-pro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gayfriendschat.com\/socialblog\/squash-player-todd-harrity-makes-history-becoming-sports-first-openly-gay-male-pro\/","title":{"rendered":"Squash Player Todd Harrity Makes History, Becoming Sport\u2019s First Openly Gay Male Pro"},"content":{"rendered":"

Squash Player Todd Harrity Makes History, Becoming Sport\u2019s First Openly Gay Male Pro<\/b>
\n\"Todd<\/p>\n

U.S. squash player Todd Harrity came out as gay<\/a> in a Twitter post on Saturday, becoming the sport\u2019s first openly gay<\/a> pro player. Harrity is ranked #54<\/a> in the world.<\/p>\n

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pic.twitter.com\/mmAiuLqG0Y<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Todd Harrity (@toddharrity) April 28, 2018<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Tweeted Harrity:<\/p>\n

To everyone I know and to all who know me.<\/p>\n

I have something that I am finally ready to get off my chest.<\/p>\n

I am gay<\/a>, and I\u2019m ready to live<\/a> my life as an openly gay<\/a> man<\/a>. I have decided to come out because I am convinced that having everyone know this about me is the only way I can truly be content. I also think it is best for everyone around me, so that we can more fully understand each other.<\/p>\n

To the people I have already told, thank you. I was not ready to have everyone know this about me. I appreciate you keeping my secret, and not telling any curious people who might have asked you.<\/p>\n

To the Pro Squash world,<\/p>\n

We are a diverse group of different nationalities, ethnicities, and faiths. I don\u2019t know how this will be received by everyone. But I have been dealing with this for a long time. This is what\u2019s necessary for me to be myself, and best enjoy the rest of my time on the circuit, and beyond.<\/p>\n

Lastly, I am not famous. But if I can be a source of inspiration to any others in a similar situation, I am pleased. This has not been easy for me. It has taken me a long time to accept myself as I am. But now I have, and am ready to put all of this behind me and move on with my life.<\/p>\n

Todd Harrity<\/p>\n

The Professional Squash Association released a statement following Harrity\u2019s coming out<\/a>: \u201cThe\u00a0PSA<\/span>\u00a0would like to offer their support to Todd at this time \u2013 the squash world is a diverse place and no matter what creed, race, sexual preference or anything else, we should all welcome and accept each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harrity also immediately received support from fellow squash pros and sports journalists.<\/p>\n

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This is a powerfully significant milestone for squash: our first male<\/a> professional to publicly come out as gay<\/a>. Jenny Duncalf & Rachael Grinham last year and now Todd Harrity: national champion, top sixty tour player on the upswing of his career and today a pioneer.<\/p>\n

\u2014 James Zug (@squashword) April 29, 2018<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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We all admire your bravery and honesty @toddharrity<\/a> . Great person and doesn\u2019t change anything. Be yourself and enjoy your life. PS I\u2019m always here to give you a chopping in the cross-court game! t.co\/Ml35qrFYjU<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Sean Conroy (@SConroy001) April 29, 2018<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Good on you mate! \"??\"\"??\"<\/p>\n

\u2014 Joe Green (@Joegreen46) April 28, 2018<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\"??\"\"??\"\"??\"<\/p>\n

\u2014 Joshna Chinappa (@joshnachinappa) April 28, 2018<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\"?\ufe0f\u200d?\"Love is Love is Love\"?\ufe0f\u200d?\" Massive respect @toddharrity<\/a> \"?\"#LoveWins<\/a> t.co\/LDc52HNOAS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Sarah-Jane Perry (@SJPerry15) April 28, 2018<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Love you so much @toddharrity<\/a> \"?\"\"?\"\"?\" You know I will always support you no matter what & I am so proud of you for coming out. This takes so much courage to do. #LoveWins<\/a> #BestFriend<\/a> \"?\"\"?\"\"?\"\"?\"\"?\"\"?\"\"?\"\"?\"t.co\/eGKBj8DFEI<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Amanda Sobhy (@itssobhytime) April 28, 2018<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The post Squash Player Todd Harrity Makes History, Becoming Sport\u2019s First Openly Gay Male Pro<\/a> appeared first on Towleroad<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n<\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a>\n<\/div>\n

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Squash Player Todd Harrity Makes History, Becoming Sport’s First Openly Gay Male Pro<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n