Recently, Kevin Maxen made history as the first US-based professional league strength coach to come out as gay. This is a groundbreaking moment for the sports world, as it marks a major step forward in LGBTQ+ acceptance in the world of sports.
Maxen, who is the strength and conditioning coach for the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, made the announcement on his personal Twitter account. In his post, he wrote, “I’m proud to announce that I am the first openly gay strength and conditioning coach in a US professional league. I’m excited to be a part of this moment and to help create a more inclusive and accepting environment for everyone.”
Maxen’s announcement has been met with an outpouring of support from the sports community. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement praising Maxen for his courage and for taking a stand for inclusion. Atlanta Hawks CEO Steve Koonin also released a statement saying, “We are proud of Kevin for being true to himself and for being a role model for others in our organization and beyond.”
Maxen’s announcement is a huge step forward for LGBTQ+ acceptance in sports. It shows that professional leagues are becoming more open and accepting of people from all walks of life. It also shows that LGBTQ+ athletes and coaches can be successful in their respective sports without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
Maxen’s announcement is sure to inspire other LGBTQ+ athletes and coaches to come out and be their true selves. It’s also sure to encourage more organizations to create inclusive environments where everyone can feel comfortable and accepted.
The sports world is changing, and Kevin Maxen’s announcement is a major milestone in that change. We look forward to seeing more progress in the future and hope that Maxen’s example will inspire others to follow suit.