While the world has become rapidly more accepting of the LGTB2SQIA+ community in recent years, the coming out process certainly isn’t easy. There’s always the fear that friends and loved ones will look differently upon those coming out, and there’s still a long way to go before our society is fully conducive to the process.
For professional athletes, along with other public figures, the process is even more complex. Not only are they coming out to those close to them, they’re coming out to the masses – throngs of people they’ve never even met. In the world of professional sports, particularly on the men’s side, there have only been a handful of athletes to come out.
Back in July, Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop broke down a long-standing barrier. When he announced over social media that he was publicly coming out, he became the first openly gay player under NHL contract. The revelation was met with immense support from the hockey community.
Recently, Prokop spoke with UNINTERRUPTED Canada about the difficult process stemming back to when he was 14 years old and discovering his own sexuality. Prokop discussed growing up with dreams of the NHL, while hiding a secret for three years before telling people.
Prokop was drafted in the 3rd round, 73rd overall, by the Nashville Predators in the 2020 NHL Entry draft. The 19-year-old is currently playing for the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Through 26 games so far this season – three of which came with the Calgary Hitmen – Prokop has tallied 6 goals and 16 points.
(H/T UNINTERRUPTED Canada)
