“It’s a Shame It Still Took Courage”- USA Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe Reveals What David Beckham Told Her After She Came Out as a Lesbian

Megan Rapinoe has always been an advocate of gender pay equality, racial justice, and LGBTQI+ rights. The USWNT soccer star has come out and voiced her opinion. She was in the middle of controversy when she took a knee during the national anthem. Criticism has never stopped her. Recently, The White House announced the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Rapinoe for her work.

It was in 2012 before the Olympics; she came out as gay. The announcement drew reactions from all levels. Celebs came in front to support her for the courageous decision. In her autobiography, she writes about one such incident on how soccer star David Beckham reacted to the announcement.

Megan Rapinoe coming out before the 2012 Olympics

Megan Rapinoe shared some incidents about how she broke the news before the 2012 Olympics and her feelings after that. It was like winning a big tournament for Rapinoe. She was happy that her loved ones supported her after she came out.

Speaking about the reaction from legendary David Beckham, she wrote, “Before we wrapped up, the organizers played a showreel. David Beckham called me “an attacking player with a great right foot” and said it was a shame it still took courage to come out. Some younger women called me an inspiration and a role model.”

The reactions overwhelmed Rapinoe as she felt people recognized her for trying to change hearts and minds. Rapinoe also wrote about how Tom Hanks was proud of her and hoped this might be the start of others coming out following Rapinoe’s example.

The US Government awarded Rapinoe the highest civilian award

Recently, The White House announced the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Rapinoe for her work in July 2022. The award is the country’s highest civilian award. They give it to the individuals who contribute to a social cause and other endeavors that contribute to nation-building. She will be the first soccer star to receive the honor.

The two-time Women’s World Cup Champion fought for gender pay equality. She was part of a team that fought a battle with the federation over equal pay for men’s and women’s soccer players. In the month of May earlier this year, the federation announced the agreement to pay USMNT and USWNT equally.

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She also advocated for Black Lives Matter. Rapinoe took a knee in support of the movement during the national anthem. It was through these contributions, along with LGBTQI+ rights, Rapinoe got the highest civilian award this year.

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Being a role model for many and her contributions to civil rights, let us know how Rapinoe inspires you in your life.