Todd Harrity, ranked the No. 1 men’s squash player in the U.S. and No. 54 worldwide, came out today as gay in a post on Twitter.
To everyone I know and to all who know me.
I have something that I am finally ready to get off my chest.
I am gay, and I’m ready to live my life as an openly gay man. I have decided to come out because I am convinced that having everyone know this about me is the only way I can truly be content. I also think it is best for everyone around me, so that we can more fully understand each other.
To the people I have already told, thank you. I was not ready to have everyone know this about me. I appreciate you keeping my secret, and not telling any curious people who might have asked you.
To the Pro Squash world,
We are a diverse group of different nationalities, ethnicities, and faiths. I don’t know how this will be received by everyone. But I have been dealing with this for a long time. This is what’s necessary for me to be myself, and best enjoy the rest of my time on the circuit, and beyond.
Lastly, I am not famous. But if I can be a source of inspiration to any others in a similar situation, I am pleased. This has not been easy for me. It has taken me a long time to accept myself as I am. But now I have, and am ready to put all of this behind me and move on with my life.
The Pro Squash Assn. came out in support of Harrity, saying “the squash world is a diverse place and no matter what creed, race, sexual preference or anything else, we should all welcome and accept each other.”
James Zug, a journalist who covers squash, hailed Harrity’s decision, writing, “This is a powerfully significant milestone for squash: our first male professional to publicly come out as gay. Jenny Duncalf & Rachael Grinham last year and now Todd Harrity: national champion, top sixty tour player on the upswing of his career and today a pioneer.”
Players from around the world tweeted their support for Harrity, 27, and a Princeton graduate. It’s a cool moment and Harrity can now focus on being the best player he can be without having to worry about hiding any more.
