Just posted a followup story by Matt Coin, a tennis player who came out in 2005. His story generated thousands of e-mails that he reflects upon. Perhaps the saddest:

One of the hardest stories to read came from a college student in Virginia. He wrote, “I joined a fraternity at my school and one day, my roommate walked in on me looking at guys on the internet. He yelled for several of our so called ‘brothers’ and they beat me so badly that I ended up in the hospital. I am lucky to be alive. I never told my parents the real reason I was beaten up.” The e-mail continued with how torn up he is inside. He transferred colleges and is in the closet to this day.

Matt, what a great follow up article I am so proud of you! It's so great to see how you are stepping up and helping generate awareness.

This is Matt's older brother and for those who didn't believe his first article about the support he received from our family, our friends, and his friends I can tell you first hand it's true. While it was right under our noses for years and most of us missed it (Matt apparently is a good actor!), and as surprised as we all were when he came out, it didn't take long to realize we now had a choice to make ourselves.

It makes me proud that of all my friends and family realize Matt is the same guy he was before, and now that he is not hiding who he really is I believe has made him a better person. Since he came out we have gotten much closer and I consider him my best friend. Acceptance is in, get with the program people.

Go Matt! I love ya.

Brett

First off, welcome bcoin hope to see more of your posts.

Second, what a cool & very nice post. Congrats on your even greater closeness.

What a great older brother! I'm jealous to say the least. I have no relationship with either of my siblings anymore and it's all because I'm gay. They didn't accept it and though we kept up a front for a few years after I came out, I soon came to realize that they were just tolerating it rather than accepting and supporting me. So kudos to you and your family! And feel free to particpate here as often as you like!

Very interesting article. I was amazed by the response from an obvious bigot that said “You should not have written this article...It is a cookie-cutter story that isn’t true. There is no way that you had such support from a family that grew up in New Jersey. Your story falsely encourages young teenagers to come out of the closet and provides false hope of support, hugs, and kisses. You should really think about that when you go to sleep at night.” Matt didn't respond, but I would've, with an extremely vulgar and evil commentary.



You're preaching to the choir here.

Congratulations to the entire family for living up to the real meaning of family.

If there were anyone who would be better for a "Gay Recruitment Poster" at our local Gay Recruitment Center, I could think of nobody who would draw so many gay recruits at Matt Coin, 24, who concidentally works as a recruiter in San Diego, where my brother also works.

What a beautiful young man, inside and out!

would it be possible to see a picture of matt's older brother brett?

No. And don't ask again.

That's a great follow up article. Coming out provokes all kinds of reactions as we all know by now.

Thanks for sharing your experiences, Matt.

Mogabs is a friend of Matt's, just pulling his chain.

Matt did send me a pic of he and his brother but has forbidden me to post! Suffice it to say, they look like brothers.

Its sad that how in america to this day people can be so evil i am glad there are others out there that are willing to step up. i know standing up for yourself is hard and its even harder sometimes to stand up for people you dont even know. all the people who come out while playing sports helped me along so conrads to you matt and your family. i can only hope that others oneday in the big 3 will step up even though we know there are alot that are just staying inthe closet because of social demands. and trust me playing college ball i know of a few in the NFL.

I played in the same tennis tournament as Matt this past weekend and I was lucky enough to get to know him. He's not only a top notch player, but also has the personality to match. (and for some reason, a number of guys seemed to think he was attractive....lol)

Hopefully more and more young guys like Matt will see that its OK for them to come out while active in sports, and that will lead to even more athletes coming out (maybe even some pros will be inspired). Acceptance will become more common as the general public realizes that we can be gay and normal AND athletic!

After reading Matt's story I was so touched and impressed that I had to email him. I shared my story of how my family and friends not only supported me when I came out, but how they all showed up at the church to support me and my partner (now husband) on our wedding day. If I wasn't impressed enough by Matt before, having him respond to my email only impressed me more. What a wonderful example and inspiration to those struggling with their sexuality as well as those who have already come to terms with it. Thanks Matt!!