Gay GAA star admits nerves at football return after 'coming out' on podcast
Gay football star Kevin Penrose has opened up about his nerves returning to the sport after launching his podcast.
The Tyrone player admitted he felt like he had to 'come out' all over again when he did his GAA Social podcast earlier this year.
Kevin had told his family, friends and team-mates in 2022.
He said of going back to playing: 'I remember the first match back… I thought, OK, the majority of these lads have most likely listened to this podcast in the past couple of weeks and I know they know.
'So I felt nervous walking across the pitch and in the changing rooms, you get that bit of paranoia.
'But everything was grand. You meet different lads at the changing room doors, they'd shake your hand and say well done.
'It brings you back, you just don't know what to expect.'
Since launching his own podcast, the GAA Social, the travel influencer, 31, said it has helped many people feel comfortable with their sexuality.
He added: 'Even to this day... like the podcast was how many months ago.
'I came out three years ago, but the podcast felt like I was coming out again but to a much larger audience and really honing in on that GAA demographic, which is teenagers to 60 plus year olds.
'People even come up to me in person and shake my hand…it's hard to know what to say to them in those moments because every journey is different but I'm glad they're finding some sort of comfort in it that they can see there is so much goodness and joy on the other side.
'I was guilty of it myself. I keep thinking that everything would go wrong in my life and you never stop to think that everything could go right so I'm glad that people have taken something from it.'
But he said he found it hard reading the negative comments about his sexuality.
He added: 'It was more like on Facebook. The comments were completely different to what I'd see on Instagram.
'Again, Facebook is a different demographic and they're older.
'I think people were just saying again, 'Why is this guy making a song and dance about coming out?' Pride month for example, like asking 'why do we need Pride month?' You're sort of answering your own question with your ignorance because this is exactly why we need it.
'I've been very lucky I haven't experienced anything negative.
'The likes of people on Facebook probably didn't even listen to the podcast, they just see the headline.'
Kevin was speaking at the launch of SuperValu's new limited-edition Pride themed Bag for Life. Available this month in SuperValu stores across the country, the bold and bright rainbow tote is set to be the must-have bag of the summer and is available to purchase for €3.
Profits will go to Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland, the national LGBTQ+ youth organisation.
Kevin said: 'I am delighted to team up with SuperValu for this important campaign supporting the incredible work of Belong To. As someone who has been through the journey of coming out within the GAA community, I'm incredibly passionate about allyship, and inclusion both on and off the pitch.
'By buying one of these bags and 'Carrying it with Pride', you are sending a powerful message that no matter who you are, you belong.
'I hope a campaign like this not only gives people the courage to be themselves but also reminds everyone to stand up and be proud allies for the LGBTQ+ community.'
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