In Her Own Words: Shining Her True Colors

The world comes together in June to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with vibrant rainbows. But to me, Pride Month represents something much more. It holds a deep personal significance. 

I’m part of the LGBTQ+ community, and June embodies a collective celebration of diversity, love, and self-acceptance. Most importantly, it’s a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made, the battles we’ve fought, and the journey ahead. 

I came out at the end of my junior year in high school. I often felt like there weren’t many people like me growing up. However, I was still lucky enough to be surrounded by a supportive group of friends and family. My family still loved me, and my friends cared for me like always. I acknowledge that not everybody has the same experience as me.

I felt I was different in middle school, but tried to push it aside. I tried convincing myself that nothing was wrong and ignored all the signs. I was afraid to come out when I realized I wasn't attracted to boys, fearing the negative attention it would bring me, especially as a student-athlete. 

Pride Month celebrates the courage I lacked early on but was able to channel within myself as I grew older. June is the time to embrace who you are. We owe it to ourselves to continue the fight for equality and live without fear. Seeing people come out and express themselves in various ways brings me joy. 

I’m particularly thankful for my support system at the University of Maryland. The coaching staff and my teammates have never made me feel less of a person because of my sexuality and have never made a situation awkward. They have always been inclusive and open.  

I recently became involved with Under Armour’s Pride campaign, an opportunity made possible by the fantastic staff at Maryland and Under Armour. I’m proud to represent something that reaches many people and helps break down barriers with other LGBTQ+ student-athletes. Through my involvement, I hope to help people build the courage to express themselves without feeling judged. 

I advise others struggling with accepting or sharing their identity to go to a big city and see diversity for what it is. Diversity is one of the most beautiful things. Nothing is worse than being in an undiverse situation and feeling closed off, where you can’t show your true potential. Go to a place where you can just be your authentic self.

Furthermore, surround yourself with accepting individuals. Surround yourself with people who will accept you for being different, extending beyond sexual preference and gender identity. I can say that the people who can’t accept who you are are not supposed to be in your life. 

To the people who don’t align themselves with the Pride community, I hope you can understand that love is love and that none of us chose to be this way. It's like anything else in your life where you like what you like. 

As we continue celebrating Pride Month, let's advocate for those often marginalized. Let's use this month to educate ourselves and others, challenge prejudices and support organizations that spread our love. 

I am proud of who I am, of my community and of being part of a movement that strives for a world where everyone can live their truth with pride. Representation, especially in collegiate sports, means a lot to me. There are different people, and you don’t have to be exactly like everybody else.  

Let’s continue to shine our true colors and make the world brighter and more inclusive. Happy Pride Month!

Co-authored By: Michael Rovetto, Staff Writer