It’s been 11 years since former major league baseball player Billy Bean came out of the closet with a heart-breaking memoir Going the Other Way. In an interview with Diane Sawyer when he was coming out, Billy cried on the air. He spoke of how when he was playing for the San Diego Padres as a closeted young man, his lover died unexpectedly and he could not mourn him for fear of being outed. It took an emotional toll on him that resulted in his baseball career ending prematurely after 12 years in the major leagues.
Billy, who turns 45 years old today, came out after his playing days but is still one of the very few former pro athletes to do so. He’s gone on to have a successful real estate career in South Florida, plays serious competitive tennis and has remained in the spotlight as a public speaker telling his story.
Billy was interviewed by Greg in Hollywood two years ago for an article on Coming Out Day and here's what he had to say:
On his own coming out: “It was just really empowering…When I was in a position emotionally to make it happen, .the relief of living honestly and being able to give my family and friends and people who care about me the opportunity to know me completely, I just became so much closer to them.”
On gays and lesbians coming out younger these days: “I think kids at this generation are light years ahead of where we were. They are so much more aware because of the Internet and blogs. We had to interact face to face which kept us from doing that. They are so much more progressive in so many ways.”
On professional athletes being out: “We just have to embrace the few images that we have and keep building positive images to create a more diverse group of people. As their lives allow it, it will just keep happening. Slowly, but it will.”
Billy, who turns 45 years old today, came out after his playing days but is still one of the very few former pro athletes to do so. He’s gone on to have a successful real estate career in South Florida, plays serious competitive tennis and has remained in the spotlight as a public speaker telling his story.
Billy was interviewed by Greg in Hollywood two years ago for an article on Coming Out Day and here's what he had to say:
On his own coming out: “It was just really empowering…When I was in a position emotionally to make it happen, .the relief of living honestly and being able to give my family and friends and people who care about me the opportunity to know me completely, I just became so much closer to them.”On gays and lesbians coming out younger these days: “I think kids at this generation are light years ahead of where we were. They are so much more aware because of the Internet and blogs. We had to interact face to face which kept us from doing that. They are so much more progressive in so many ways.”
On professional athletes being out: “We just have to embrace the few images that we have and keep building positive images to create a more diverse group of people. As their lives allow it, it will just keep happening. Slowly, but it will.”
Happy Birthday Billy!
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