Erik Shoji, the captain of the US men's volleyball team and a three-time Olympian, publicly came out as queer through a heartfelt video shared on TikTok and Instagram. His announcement, which resonated with many, emphasizes the importance of personal acceptance intertwined with visibility. Shoji reflects on his struggles in accepting his identity and acknowledges the courage it takes to embrace his truth. His message not only signifies a personal milestone but also contributes to the ongoing dialogue regarding queer representation in sports, inspiring others to be authentic and true to themselves.
"I'm here to tell the world today that I am queer. It feels scary, but freeing at the same time," Shoji says, emphasizing his journey of personal acceptance.
"I think personal acceptance takes a while. For me, it took a long time and I'm working through that still every day," reflecting Shoji's ongoing journey to self-acceptance.
"This is my moment and I’m so excited to move forward after this," declared Shoji, celebrating his newfound visibility and confidence in embracing his identity.
"I think I'm stronger, more confident and more sure of myself than I've ever been," highlighting how accepting his identity has positively impacted Shoji.
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