A 23-year-old hockey player has shared his story about being openly gay in professional sports. He talked about how his teammates act in the locker room.

The player said his teammates often joke around in ways that seem very gay. He finds this funny because he is actually the gay one on the team.

Coming out was not easy for the young athlete. He first told four close friends back home about being gay.

The hockey player said humor helped him feel comfortable with new teams. Making jokes and being relaxed made it easier to fit in with other players.

Many gay athletes worry about coming out to their teammates. They fear rejection or being treated differently in sports.

But this player's experience shows that teammates can be accepting. His team members treat him normally and include him in their jokes.

The locker room is often seen as a tough place for LGBTQ+ athletes. But this player found his teammates were supportive and welcoming.

He believes being open about his sexuality made things easier. Other players knew who he was and could act naturally around him.

Professional sports are slowly becoming more welcoming to LGBTQ+ athletes. More players are coming out and sharing their stories publicly.

This hockey player's story may help other young gay athletes. It shows that being open can lead to acceptance from teammates.

The player continues to compete at a high level. His sexuality has not hurt his career or relationships with other players.