Former U.S. Men's National Soccer Team
member Robbie Rogers says he's been surprised by the outpouring of
support he's received over coming out gay.
The 25-year-old Rogers came out in a
Friday blog post titled The
Next Chapter...
“For the past 25 year I have been
afraid, afraid to show whom I really was because of fear. Fear that
judgment and rejection would hold me back from my dreams and
aspirations. Fear that my loved ones would be farthest from me if
they knew my secret. Fear that my secret would get in the way of my
dreams.”
“Life is only
complete when your loved ones know you. When they know your true
feelings, when they know who and how you love. Life is simple when
your secret is gone. Gone is the pain that lurks in the stomach at
work, the pain from avoiding questions, and at last the pain from
hiding such a deep secret.”
Rogers also
announced he was stepping away from the game.
“Welcome to the family,” tweeted
Lori Lindsey, an openly gay member of the U.S. Women's National
Soccer Team.
Sacha Kljestan, a member of the U.S.
Men's National Team, added: “100 percent love and support for one
of my best friends Robbie Rogers. You will be missed on the pitch.
Amazing talent, amazing person.”
“Thank you everyone for all the
support and love,” Rogers messaged back. “Wasn't expecting
this.”