Mel Reid, a golfer on the LPGA Tour, has come out publicly as gay. The 31-year-old English golfer said she has found acceptance in her sport.
“The Tour is a very welcoming community and it’s rare that anyone has an issue with sexuality or openly express any issues,” Reid said. “The only problem we run into is that being gay is still illegal or frowned upon in certain countries we play in. There are also a lot of male-dominated sponsors that are looking for certain types of players, so that’s why I have felt I can’t be quite as open as I would like to be when it comes to my personal life.”
Reid was the Ladies European Tour Rookie of the Year in 2008.
ESPNW’s Katie Barnes caught up with Reid, who told Barnes that she wants to work with companies that support her for her as she inspires others to be their true selves.
“I’ve always fought for equality and I’m now at a point where I want brands to represent me for me,” Reid told ESPNW. “Ultimately I feel like I’m on a platform where I can have some sort of an influence. It’s just important to say to people that this is who I am. Hopefully it will help a couple of young girls or guys.”
You can follow Mel Reid on Twitter @melreidgolf, or on Instagram @melreidgolf.
