Mel Reid reveals she's gay: "Being gay is still illegal" where we play
Six-time Ladies European Tour winner reveals her news after signing with Athlete Ally.
LPGA Tour professional Mel Reid has revealed she is gay after announcing her new partnership with the organisation Athlete Ally, which advocates for equal access, opportunity and experience in sports.
"The Tour is a very welcoming community and it’s rare that anyone has an issue with sexuality or openly express any issues," said Reid, a six-time Ladies European Tour winner.
"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."
Sharing my story in hopes it will help someone else share theirs. I’ve always believed in fighting for equality & I’m beyond excited to join the @AthleteAlly team. #BeBrave https://t.co/QCCKERZlD8
— Mel Reid (@melreidgolf) December 10, 2018
Reid, 31, also went on to say she had concealed her sexuality in a bid to help her career.
"I started to wonder why these companies would want to sponsor me and have me represent them if I can’t be my authentic self," said Reid.
"There is only one of you in the world and you have one life, so be the best version of yourself and be proud of who you are. That’s when you attract the right people around you to make you better, and ultimately, happier."
Reid's announcement comes three months after PGA Tour professional Tadd Fujikawa came out as gay.
