Byron Perkins, D1 Hampton University Football Player Comes Out As Gay

Byron Perkins, D1 Hampton University Football Player Byron Perkins, Becomes First HBCU To Publicly Come Out As Gay

Byron Perkins, a defensive back who plays football at Hampton University in Virginia, opened up on social media this week about being gay. He is the first out gay football player at an HBCU.

“I have come to understand that life is precious and I could be gone at any moment, therefore, I will no longer be living a lie,” Perkins posted to Instagram.

“No one should have to live a life crippled by what society thinks.”

 

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He is 6’3, just to throw that out there. He sat down for an exclusive interview OutSports, and opened up about why he decided to come out publicly

“Especially at an HBCU, young Black gay men need an outlet,” Perkins told Zeigler of OutSports.

“They need a support system. There hasn’t been an out gay football athlete at an HBCU. I want to end the stigma of what people think. I want people to know they can be themselves.”

Folks online have since been reacting to the news. “And here comes the opportunities.. smart guy,” someone commented.