Pride Pioneer: High School Athlete's Journey to Acceptance

The journey home: A unique tale from a homecoming king

This moving story was first shared in 2019 as part our Pride Pioneer series, which pays tribute each year and celebrates courage and acceptance within our LGBTQ+ community.

A moment filled with triumph and love

Picture this: you're standing in front a sea cheering classmates and friends, having just been crowned homecoming king. It was a magical day at East Leyden High School, drenched in an outpouring love and support. Just months before, I'd come out as gay. Now, I was living a moment I'd fantasized about!

Challenging stereotypes in sports

That day in September will always be etched in my memory. I was so lucky—my friends and fellow athletes smashed stereotypes about sports and LGBTQ+ individuals, welcoming me with open arms. It made me hope that one day, all LGBTQ+ folks could be embraced this warmly.

The inspiration that sparked my journey

The path leading me here started with a life-altering YouTube video. Dylan Geick, an openly gay wrestler from Chicago, shared a message about coming out that hit me hard. It pushed me towards owning my identity. Growing up playing ice hockey in Franklin Park, just outside Chicago, I often felt a sense disconnect from my teammates, and it was confusing.

Wrestling with my inner conflicts

As I grew older, these inner battles only grew stronger. Locker room conversations would amplify this, intensifying pain maintaining my facade. Pretending and lying about my romantic interests just fit in while inside, I struggled figuring out if it was just a phase or something else entirely.

Facing reality in high school

High school ramped up those feelings. Being on varsity, I kept denying who I was, hoping those feelings would vanish. By sophomore year, I couldn't ignore it anymore—I was gay. Anxiety gripped me; I was terrified about how coming out might alter my relationships.

Embracing courage and authenticity

Watching Dylan's video that winter was huge. Seeing someone like me, from a similar background, living genuinely, gave me a glimpse hope. I realized happiness required truth, no matter how others reacted.

Coming out and embracing support

So, I took a deep breath and came out over coffee my friend, Julie. Her encouraging response was everything. It gave me strength tell my parents, my family, and eventually, my whole hockey team, via Instagram. Their acceptance was incredible, and our relationships stayed rock-solid.

Turning over a new leaf

Starting hockey season as my true self was a breath fresh air, no more hiding! I was truly me with teammates, and it transformed our group, school, and community. Being crowned homecoming king showed how misplaced my fears had been.

Spreading inspiration through my story

By sharing my story, I hope reach others struggling with their own identities. If it boosts just one person's courage, it's worth every word. My dream? A future where every young person feels free and fearless. Our stories hold power, just like Dylan Geick's video did me.

Looking forward

Coming out as a gay hockey player wasn't a cakewalk, but it was hands-down best decision I've ever made. I'm so thankful my friends and family, and optimistic about society moving towards more understanding and acceptance.

Anthony Arnoni, 17, will graduate East Leyden High School Franklin Park, Ill., in May 2020. He plans study neuroscience UCLA and proudly played defenseman on his high school hockey team four years.

If you're an LGBTQ+ athlete and want share your journey, let's connect. Together, we can inspire and support each other in our quest acceptance and equality.