Gareth Thomas opens up about being the first professional sportsman to come out while still playing professionally.
Gareth had it all. He was a national hero, a sporting icon, a leader of men, captain of Wales and the British Lions. To him, rugby was an expression of cultural identity, a sacred code. It was no mere ball game. It gave him everything, except the freedom to be himself.
Proud: His Autobiography is the story of a man with a secret that was slowly killing him. Something that might devastate not only his own life but the lives of his wife, family, friends and teammates.
The only place where he could find any refuge from the pain and guilt of the lie he was living was on the pitch, playing the sport he loved. But all his success didn’t make the strain of hiding who he really was go away. His fear that telling the truth about his sexuality would lose him everything he loved, almost sent him over the edge.
Gareth will be in conversation at the Old Market in Hove on September 21 with his co-writer Michael Calvin. Michael is chief sports writer with the Independent on Sunday, has twice been named Sports Reporter of the Year and is author of the critically acclaimed book The Nowhere Men.
Gareth has played rugby union for Bridgend, Celtic Warriors, Toulouse and Cardiff Blues, winning 100 international caps for Wales and captaining the British and Irish Lions. In 2010 he switched to rugby league, playing for the Crusaders RL, and for Wales.
Gareth announced publicly in 2009 that he was gay, and was voted the most influential gay person by Stonewall that year. He retired from rugby in October 2011.
Gareth Thomas will sign copies of his books after the event.
Event: Gareth Thomas in conversation with Michael Calvin
Where: The Old Market Theatre, Brighton
When: Sunday, September 21, 2014
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The Old Market Theatre, Upper Market Street, Brighton
Tickets: £12
Box office: 01273 201 801
For more information, CLICK HERE:
You must be logged in to post a comment.