Bradley Kim | Photo: Instagram @bradleykkim
Bradley Kim is many things. He’s a sophomore at the Air Force Academy, a safety for the Air Force Falcons (the school’s football team), and he’s also gay.
Kim recently came out to his team and told OutSports his remarkable story.
‘The biggest reason I want to share this is to be able to reach people who are in similar situations struggling with the same things I have struggled with,’ he told them.
‘I want to be there for people who don’t feel like they have anyone there for them, because I was that kid growing up in high school.’
Kim started out as a football player for Skyline High School in Sammamish, Washington.
He first came out to his parents, old high school teammates, and various people and coaches at the Air Force Academy. Then it was time to come out to those he was closest to on the team — the other defensive backs, as well as head coach Troy Calhoun.
‘They tell me they appreciate the fact that I felt confident enough, and they meant enough, for me to tell them.’
A long time coming
Kim shared his joyous news in an emotional and inspiring Instagram post.
Bradley Kim | Photo: Instagram @bradleykkim
Kim, who is half-German, half-Korean, started the post with a Bible verse. Then he added this simple statement: ‘God made me this way for a reason.’
He continued: ‘I did not think this day would ever come, but I’ve finally reached the point where I am comfortable and confident enough with myself to say that I am gay. It’s been a long road to get to this point and I definitely would not be here without the love and support of my amazing family, teammates and coaches here at the academy, and my equally amazing friends.’
In the post, he reinforced his desire to help others who may feel alone or helpless.
‘I hope that I can serve as an example to those who are allowing their fear of acceptance to change who they are,’ he wrote.
‘I almost gave up my dream of playing division 1 football for fear of not being accepted by everyone, but today I am happy to say that I am a cadet at the Air Force Academy playing the sport I love with amazing people standing behind me and supporting me.
‘If anyone feels like they don’t have a voice or feel like they are alone, just know there are plenty of people out there like you and me, and more that are willing to talk to you about it. God bless all and thank you to everyone who has made me feel comfortable to live my most genuine life.’
Kim has a couple more years left of the Academy and then he will serve. Once his service is completed, he hopes to chase his music dreams.
H/t: OutSports
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