Jake Kuzyk, a professional snowboarder and skateboarder, has come out as gay, the fifth snowboarder to do so joining Chad Unger, Kennedi Deck, Jill Perkins and Tanner Pendleton.
In announcing his public coming out, Kuzyk, a 30-year-old who lives in Vancouver, posted the photo above of himself with a rainbow across his face on Instagram along with this message:
‘I always wondered what this moment in my life would look like. I guess it looks like this! I’m very proud to be gay!
‘The chance to share my personal story alongside a really special group of queer people in snowboarding feels perfect. I really hope that this can help push for further acceptance and understanding in our community for LGBTQ+ and all other folks who feel marginalised in this world. To build some space for those who need it. There are many who do.
‘With everything going on right now, it doesn’t feel like the time to be talking about myself. But I know this conversation is important. And it feels like there’s a shift happening. People are really listening. And trying to be better. I hope that this does not distract attention away from the civil unrest and extreme social injustices that the BIPOC community has faced for a very long time. I’ve reconciled with my privilege and how that affects the people in society who are different then me. We think by being a good person it’s enough. But a place needs to be made for those who are on the outside. Just being ‘fine’ with someone’s existence is not enough.
‘If you have learned acceptance for me through my story. I ask you to find that same acceptance for all people in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. No matter who they are or what they look like. Happy Pride.’
Kuzyk’s announcement was made in a series of interviews published to coincide with Pride Month on the Torrent magazine website.
You can view the interviews by clicking here.
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