U.S. squash player Todd Harrity came out as gay in a Twitter post on Saturday, becoming the sport’s first openly gay pro player. Harrity is ranked #1 in the U.S. and is ranked #54 in the world.
— Todd Harrity (@toddharrity) April 28, 2018
Tweeted Harrity:
To everyone I know and to all who know me.
I have something that I am finally ready to get off my chest.
I am gay, and I’m ready to live my life as an openly gay man. I have decided to come out because I am convinced that having everyone know this about me is the only way I can truly be content. I also think it is best for everyone around me, so that we can more fully understand each other.
To the people I have already told, thank you. I was not ready to have everyone know this about me. I appreciate you keeping my secret, and not telling any curious people who might have asked you.
To the Pro Squash world,
We are a diverse group of different nationalities, ethnicities, and faiths. I don’t know how this will be received by everyone. But I have been dealing with this for a long time. This is what’s necessary for me to be myself, and best enjoy the rest of my time on the circuit, and beyond.
Lastly, I am not famous. But if I can be a source of inspiration to any others in a similar situation, I am pleased. This has not been easy for me. It has taken me a long time to accept myself as I am. But now I have, and am ready to put all of this behind me and move on with my life.
Todd Harrity
The Professional Squash Association released a statement following Harrity’s coming out: “The PSA would like to offer their support to Todd at this time – the squash world is a diverse place and no matter what creed, race, sexual preference or anything else, we should all welcome and accept each other.”
Harrity also immediately received support from fellow squash pros and sports journalists.
This is a powerfully significant milestone for squash: our first male professional to publicly come out as gay. Jenny Duncalf & Rachael Grinham last year and now Todd Harrity: national champion, top sixty tour player on the upswing of his career and today a pioneer.
— James Zug (@squashword) April 29, 2018
We all admire your bravery and honesty @toddharrity . Great person and doesn’t change anything. Be yourself and enjoy your life. PS I’m always here to give you a chopping in the cross-court game! https://t.co/Ml35qrFYjU
— Sean Conroy (@SConroy001) April 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/Joegreen46/status/990290479379034112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpsaworldtour.com%2Fnews%2Fview%2F5517%2Fsquash-community-supports-harrity-after-us-no-1-becomes-first-openly-gay-male-pro-squash-player
👏🏻👊🏼👏🏻
— Joshna Chinappa (@joshnachinappa) April 28, 2018
🏳️🌈Love is Love is Love🏳️🌈 Massive respect @toddharrity 🙌 #LoveWins https://t.co/LDc52HNOAS
— Sarah-Jane Perry (@SJPerry15) April 28, 2018
Love you so much @toddharrity 💕💕💕 You know I will always support you no matter what & I am so proud of you for coming out. This takes so much courage to do. #LoveWins #BestFriend 💗💗💗💗😘😘😘😘 https://t.co/eGKBj8DFEI
— Amanda Sobhy (@itssobhytime) April 28, 2018
