There have been claims suggesting that gay athletes do not come out of the closet because some individuals, fans, and key stakeholders have not fully accepted the idea of an openly gay fighter. However, several martial arts fans, gay or not, support gay players. With the global perspective of the LGBTQ community going through a drastic change, gay MMA fans are getting more comfortable in their skin.
Here are a few tips to make the world a little bit easier to navigate for them.
Go Online if You Are Still Closeted
Once popular with introverts looking for romantic relationships, online dating has become almost everyone’s go-to place, whether looking for a hookup or a serious relationship. Gays are even more successful with dating sites and apps, with more than 28% having found their partners online.
If you are not yet ready to be vocal about your sexuality, dating apps are the best place to start looking for a partner. Before getting on any platform, check its niche and reputation. Determine if it’s best for hookups and casual encounters rather than something lasting, or if it’s one of the gay teen dating sites made for queer teenagers, or maybe it’s a serious older gay dating platform. For instance, you’d never expect to find a serious relationship on a platform made for casual flings. You can never go wrong if you know what you want and where to find it.
Find Communities Who Share Your Love for MMA
There is nothing more powerful than a community that shares your interests. Being part of a community makes you feel like you are part of something greater than yourself. Meeting people from different places that share similar values and interest never gets old. It is no different with gay MMA fans. Become part of the MMA fighters fans community near you. If none is available, look on the internet and social media platforms. It is the easiest way to keep tabs on what’s happening in the industry around your favorite fighter.
Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Have you ever shared your goals and aspirations with friends or family and got a different or negative opinion? That almost immediately kills the mood and the dream. Surrounding yourself with supportive people is the perfect way to set yourself up for success. That starts by letting go of the toxic and negative people in your life. However, this does not mean that you should avoid any criticism or correction. It simply means you need the right people, not the best, to support you.
Participate in MMA Pride Walks
Standing in the hot summer sun on a pride walk in June is not everyone’s cup of tea. It takes someone with such a deep sense of belonging and love for a community to do it. It is also an opportunity to meet some people outside your social circle, have fun, and be part of a life-changing event. When protests call, get out there with a picket sign and some anger and fight for your gay rights. Collect as many signatures as you can to stop inequality. Do whatever it takes, but never stop fighting.
Get an MMA Icon
Everyone needs an icon. A male MMA icon is a central point for the gay identity. The icon of choice does not have to be a popular name. Just someone you can look up to during your dark days and someone with a relatable gay life. You probably will never have the opportunity to meet your icon, but it gives contentment to refer to someone’s part of life that reflects yours.
Come Out
Almost every LGBTQ member has a coming-out story if they have one. It could have been their parents kicking them out of their home, getting weird looks and comments, being renounced by the family, or receiving threats. Whichever it is, every story is different and unique. Do not let the negative ones affect your coming out. Whenever you feel ready, share your sexuality with the people you can trust. So do not be afraid to be yourself or free in the moment.
Conclusion
With gay MMA fighters increasingly coming out, the familiarity of the LGBTQ community in athletics and sports is also on the rise. Gay MMA fans are, however, not left behind. That inspires more fighters and fans to come out and be comfortable with their sexuality.