Recently out British rugby league star Keegan Hirst receives celebrity support
Image: Keegan Hirst is Britain's first openly-gay player. (Photo: PA Wire)
WHEN British rugby league player Keegan Hirst publicly came out as gay last week, he made history by becoming the first openly-gay player in the sport for his country.
Since then, the Batley Bulldogs captain has received support from stars like Elton John, Emma Watson, Olympian Tom Daley, Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton and former Wales rugby union star Gareth Thomas, who himself came out as gay in 2009.
Hirst explained that he first thought a direct phone call from Elton John — in which he reportedly said: “Hi Keegan, it’s Elton. I think you’re fabulous” — was a hoax.
“He said it’s good that I’m breaking down barriers and stereotypes,” Hirst said.
Taking to Twitter, Harry Potter star Emma Watson said:
Courage is the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty or intimidation.
— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) August 18, 2015
…. Physical courage is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death or threat of death,
— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) August 18, 2015
while moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal or discouragement. @KeeganHirst #gotboth
— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) August 18, 2015
great story, I think its about time we also recognised the prominent Australian sportsmen and women, as well as those in the sporting media who are gay lesbian or bi, show them that they have the support they deserve and not have to put up with the slander and crap that certain individuals dish out at them(sam newman). if they had the courage to be out and proud that would set a terrific to the young(or old) who are struggling with their sexuality