Keegan Hirst: I thought about taking my life before coming out
It was a decision Keegan Hirst knew would turn his life upside down, but one he just had to make.
A married father of two, last August Keegan became the first rugby league player to come out as gay.
Growing up in Batley, Keegan was aware of his attraction to men from his early teens but without any identifiable role models he simply brushed it off.
He progressed through the ranks at the Batley Bulldogs rugby league club, eventually being made captain.
During this time, he married Sara and had 2 children. Wrestling with his sexuality, Keegan admits that at times he considered taking his own life.
It was then that Keegan knew he had to act. He had to be honest with the people he cared about and he had to be honest with himself.
But not only did Keegan have to deal with the repercussions in his private life, but as a sporting figurehead he made the brave decision to go public with his homosexuality.
Keegan now hopes that his story can help others coming to terms with their sexuality.
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