First Academy Football Player Declares He’s Homosexual; Military in Complete Support; But Does He Shower Separately?

Bradley Kim, a defensive back at the Air Force Academy, announced on Friday that he is gay. Kim, who shared his story on his Instagram account and through an interview with OutSports, is the first active player at a service academy to publicly come out.

“The biggest reason I want to share this is to be able to reach people who are in similar situations struggling with the same things I have struggled with,” Kim told OutSports. “I want to be that example for kids that you can be gay, you can pursue your dreams, and you can have an athletic career. . .

Jeremiah 29:11🙏🏽 God made me this way for a reason. I did not think this day would ever come, but I’ve finally reached the point where I am comfortable and confident enough with myself to say that I am gay. It’s been a long road to get to this point and I definitely would not be here without the love and support of my amazing family, teammates and coaches here at the academy, and my equally amazing friends. I feel blessed to have such receptive and understanding people in my life. I hope that I can serve as an example to those who are allowing their fear of acceptance to change who they are. I almost gave up my dream of playing division 1 football for fear of not being accepted by everyone, but today I am happy to say that I am a cadet at the Air Force Academy playing the sport I love with amazing people standing behind me and supporting me. If anyone feels like they don’t have a voice or feel like they are alone, just know there are plenty of people out there like you and me, and more that are willing to talk to you about it. God bless all and thank you to everyone who has made me feel comfortable to live my most genuine life.🙏🏽 Twitter/Instagram: @bradleykkim [email protected]

A post shared by Brad (@bradleykkim) on Jul 27, 2018 at 12:05pm PDT

Before going public with his story, Kim, a safety for the Falcons, informed his fellow defensive backs and received a standing ovation in response.

According to OutSports, Kim had previously come out to his parents and various other Air Force teammates and coaches, all to responses of complete support. The Air Force Academy provided a statement to the Colorado Springs Gazette that said, “The academy strives to foster a culture where everyone gives and receives dignity and respect so that each individual has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.” (Read more from “First Academy Football Player Declares He’s Homosexual; Military in Complete Support; But Does He Shower Separately?” HERE)

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