Finding out who you really are can be tough, especially when you're juggling different identities. For Justin Mathis, a gay Christian from Oklahoma, sports unexpectedly became a safe haven where he found comfort and validation.
Starting afresh: Embracing authenticity through sports
Justin's life took a significant turn when he joined as a graduate assistant at Kentucky University in August 2012, working alongside sports programs like soccer, softball, and women's basketball. He was on a mission - live authentically and tackle homophobia in sports.
Around this time, movements like You Can Play were pushing hard, championing LGBTQ acceptance in athletics. Driven by this momentum, Justin wanted in on creating this cultural shift.
He started conversations with student-athletes, coaches, and admins, getting solid backing from leaders like Deputy Athletic Director DeWayne Peevy. Sure, there were bumps along his journey, but this support was immensely empowering. It showed him his identities could beautifully coexist.
Facing personal hurdles: The journey within
Justin's path wasn't all smooth sailing. Growing up in Kiefer, Oklahoma—a town with about 1,500 people—he wrestled with his identity during those high school years. As a sports fanatic, he felt out-of-place, struggling with parts he kept hidden.
"It felt like I was holding my breath," he shares, recalling his inner conflict. Everything changed one New Year Eve in 2007 when he accepted his sexuality. That acceptance kicked off a challenging phase in his life.
Yet amidst this turmoil, sports and a supportive friend surfaced as guiding lights steering him towards living truthfully.
Finding allies: Unexpected sources lifting him up
Before diving deep in sports management at Kentucky, Justin opened up about being gay with his best friend, Pam. Her instant acceptance was a game-changer.
"It was like breathing fresh air," Justin says, relieved and empowered by her response. This support pushed him further down his path, and as he shared with more peers, he was welcomed warmly.
"Life rewards authenticity," Justin muses. Over time, he wholly embraced his identity, landing a job at UC Berkeley, where he was open about his life.
Welcoming acceptance: A new dawn at Stanford
Eventually, Justin found himself at Stanford as Director in Olympic Sports Equipment. Reflecting on his journey, he realized he had underestimated how living authentically could lead not only acceptance but success.
"Every coming out story chips away at homophobia," he highlights, understanding how being genuine can shift mindsets drastically.
Embracing his true self has enabled Justin and his partner Devin, plus their two adorable French Bulldogs, live a fulfilling life filled with family support. They cherish attending sports events as a family.
"Life now, as a gay Christian in sports, feels just... normal," Justin concludes, content and at peace with his authentic self.
Justin Mathis's story inspires, showing authenticity can change hearts and minds. His journey in sports, anchored by courage and acceptance, stands as a beacon. If you're an LGBTQ individual in sports, sharing your experience on platforms that celebrate diverse voices might just help us forge a more inclusive and accepting space.
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