Thomas Hitzlsperger, Former German Soccer Player, Comes Out As Gay

German soccer star Thomas Hitzlsperger has publicly come out as gay. "I'm coming out about my homosexuality because I want to move the discussion about homosexuality among professional sports people forwards,” said the 31-year-old in an interview with Die Zeit magazine. Though Hitzlsperger told the magazine that he’s “never been ashamed of the way I am,” he waited until “the timing was good.” Hitzlsperger is only the fourth professional soccer player to come out.

Hitzlsperger played in the English Premier League and for the German national team before retiring four months ago. Coming out in the world of professional sports has become an ever important issue. Last year, LA Galaxy player Robbie Rogers became the first openly gay player to be actively competing in professional soccer. Fellow players rallied behind Hitzlsperger "Brave and right decision. Respect, Thomas Hitzlsperger. His outing is an important sign in our time," German national team star Lukas Podolski tweeted.

Justin Fashanu, who played in the European Leagues from 1978 - 1997 was the first European player to come out in Europe. He later committed suicide, admitting in a suicide note that homophobia had been a big factor in his decision to take his own life. Hitzlsperger's outing is an important step forward towards acceptance of the LGBT community in the world of professional sports where they have faced enduring stigma. The announcement takes on particular significance in the lead up to the Sochi Winter games.