Byron Perkins makes LGBTQ+ history as first openly gay football player at an HBCU
Bryon Perkins has made history as the first football player at an HBCU to come out as gay. On 19 October, the Hampton University student revealed the landmark news in an emotional Instagram story. “I’ve decided that I’m going to make a change, and stop running away from myself,” the defensive back wrote. “I’m gay, let it be known that this is not a “decision” or a “choice.” Yes, this is who I am, this is who I’ve been, and this is who I’m going to be.
Simply put, I am who I am. “For the friends and family that have known and supported me to this point, thank you, and for the friends and family that I will lose… Thank you too.
You have all helped me in the process of building the young man I am today.” Perkin’s groundbreaking announcement has made him the first openly gay active football player within the historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) athletic system.
In an additional interview with OutSports, the Virginia-based student gave further insight into his journey and what spurred his groundbreaking announcement. “I’ve been self-reflective and trying to prioritise what makes me happy and makes me feel alive.
