It's a great day for the Air Force Falcons football team! Bradley Kim, a defensive back that plays for the team has just announced he's gay, making him the first openly LGBTQ member of a military academy team.
In an Instagram post, Kim wrote:
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.
He thanked everyone who had supported him in his journey:
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.
Of course, things weren't always easy for Kim...
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.
Twitter was thrilled that the world has finally come far enough that players like Kim feel like they can live their truths while playing the sport they love.
Kim concluded his message by telling anyone who feels like "they don't have a voice" that they're not alone.
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.🙏🏽
H/T - CBS Denver, USA Today
@coyleray/Instagram
