My Weekend Crush

We’re a one-name basis with them. Martina. Billie Jean. Sheryl. Sue. Abby. B.G. And, of course, Megan. They are our lesbian sports icons. And, aside from maybe Martina Navratilova, one could reasonably argue that Megan Rapinoe has done the most to forward the public image of lesbian professional athletes. Yes, we could quibble. But there is certainly no other currently competing queer female athlete of greater stature, name recognition and overall acclaim. And, dammit if she didn’t do it entirely her way – with purple/various other-colored hair and plenty of style to boot.

Last weekend Megan announced that this would be her final season playing professional soccer. It won’t feel the same watching the beautiful game without her. I hope, and believe, her fearlessness both on the pitch and off will inspire a whole new generation of female athletes. Athletes who refuse to be treated as second-class citizens to their male colleagues. Athletes who refuse to hide their true selves, and brim with confidence and pride. Thanks for refusing to be anything but yourself, Megan, which is of course unabashedly excellent and stone-cold gay. Happy weekend, all.