“Saying ‘I’m Gay’ Helps People”: Normalising Homosexuality in Sports with Fiance Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird Shares Inspiring Coming Out Story

Sue Bird is an icon. The WNBA legend stunned her fans when they got to know that Bird had a documentary on her life by the name ‘In the Clutch’ which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Sarah Dowland, the documentary shares the gripping tale of Bird’s career including but not limited to how the basketball landscape changed in the 20 years. It also makes the audience privy to Bird’s personal life, especially her coming out as ‘gay.’

An excited Bird recently was in Variety Studio at the Sundance Film Festival. She enunciated the impact she has had on others as a global icon after she came out as ‘gay.’ Her words not only cheered up fans but also gave a glimpse of the role of vulnerability in Bird’s life.

What did Bird say?

The 43-year-old shared how her coming out story had been beneficial for her fans and why her story needed to be included in the documentary even after all these years. Listening to it must have motivated the fans and also delighted them to get such a personal and up-close view of the star’s life.

“Where I sit now, I understand this is actually going to help people — like me just saying ‘I’m gay’ helps people. It helps them live their truth, maybe it helps them come out; maybe it helps them understand they’re not ready. The best part was the minute I came out, I was like, ‘Oh, this actually is helping me.’ Like, this is nice for me to just be honest, to live my truth. … It gave me a lot of peace,” Bird stated while recollecting her journey.

As per an article by ESPNW (h/t: Bleacher Report) Bird came out as gay in 2017 when she was dating her fiance – the former Seattle Reign star Megan Rapinoe. Bird had also divulged back then that “these aren’t secrets to people who know me.” Meanwhile, Rapinoe had come out in 2012 in a feature article with the Out Magazine “For the record: I am gay,” Rapinoe had stated.

Taking cognizance of the timing of her coming out, Bird had opined it happened when it “feels right… It’s my journey.” Bird as per the same article had told the ESPNW reporter Mechelle Voepel that she had realised her orientation when she was in college at the UConn Huskies.

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While Rapinoe was very vocal about LGBTQ and racial issues, Bird had adopted a more silent role back then. The New York-born had stated that she didn’t want to be “the topic of conversations.” But that changed later on and the couple have immensely contributed to the community.

How have Bird and Rapinoe contributed?

As per an article by Variety in December 2022, Bird and Rapinoe had together launched a company that goes by the name of “A Touch More.” The company deals with underrepresented communities such as LGBTQ people, PoC, and women. It also builds up narratives around identity and activism. They feature stories of people who “move culture forward.” Thus, the duo have been major icons for the issues faced by the LGBTQ people and have been an inspiration for many.

Hopefully, now that Bird has realized what a central figure she has been for many others who tread her path, with a positive drive she can keep on continuing influencing and changing the lives of many others.

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