via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 27: Soccer player Megan Rapinoe (L) and Sue Bird of the Seattle Storm pose for photos on the court after attending the WNBA All-Star Game 2019 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 27, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 27: Soccer player Megan Rapinoe (L) and Sue Bird of the Seattle Storm pose for photos on the court after attending the WNBA All-Star Game 2019 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 27, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird are renowned in the US sports industry. From meeting each other as awkward chums to falling in love and supporting through life’s ups and downs, the two have been with each other. One is a soccer legend, and another has been rocking the basketball court since 2002. Together, they make a powerful pair. But, hailing from very different backgrounds, how did that happen?
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Megan has been pretty out and out about her social thoughts for a decent amount of her life. From kneeling during the National Anthem to speaking about the sexism and gender pay gap, she is an unafraid rebel. Rapinoe is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community since 2012, but her current love, Bird, did not follow it until 2017. She even said how being with Rapinoe helped her be strong with the coming out process. Here is their story.
How Megan Rapinoe helped Bird to come out
Back in 2017, when Megan dropped her relationship bomb on social media, people were shocked. More so because nobody knew Sue Bird was a lesbian or an LGBTQ member. It was through her relationship with Rapinoe that she declared her sexuality to the world. And looking back, Bird is thankful for her partner, who helped her in this decision.
In a July 2021 interview, this WNBA star said, “What Megan helped me understand was that, yes, what I was already doing was great, living authentically,”. Sue added, “more people that come out, that’s where you get to the point where nobody has to come out…” hinting at the necessity of removing the stigma of same-sex relationships.
ALSO, READ THIS: “Had to Raise Your Voice”: Megan Rapinoe’s Loud Personality Developed Due to Her Rambunctious Family Environment Growing Up
In 2017, Bird spoke about the pressures of coming out of the closet. She said how she did have conflicting thoughts and advice from different individuals. But her advice? To stay authentic to yourself and be true to your timeline. Sue reminded fans how she only came out after being sure. The duo has been dating ever since.
What are the personal plans for the Sue- Megan duo?
Both are successful athletes who have earned great laurels in their sports. In a podcast interview with Rapinoe’s parents, they were forthright about how amazing Sue was.
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Megan Rapinoe looks back at Sue Bird’s legendary career after 19 WNBA seasons and four league championships. https://t.co/wvYqOyHA8J
— ESPN Women's Hoops (@ESPN_WomenHoop) September 7, 2022
The parents, Jim and Denise, gushed about how Sue was much calmer and mature than the hot-tempered Megan. This, according to the parents, brought stability to their relationship. Further, Bird, being a tad bit older, also added to this mixture.
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WATCH THIS STORY: From Steve Jobs To Megan Rapinoe: Stars Who Will Revive The Nation’s Highest Civilian Honour Alongside Simone Biles
Although a note about tying the knot is yet to come from either of the athletes, fans are eager to see what greater good this duo achieves.
