‘I’m gay,’ reveals proud Reid
SOLHEIM CUP star Mel Reid has come out as gay.
“I’ve just reached a point in my life where I feel like my true, authentic self,” she said. “If my story helps one person, then I feel like it’s a good cause.”
Reid, a winner of six events on the Ladies European Tour, made the announcement in an interview with Athlete Ally. She has now joined the website as a “Pro Ambassador fighting for equality and inclusion in sport”.
The 31-year-old from Derby said: “I protected my sexuality for a long time because I thought I had to in order to help my career and to get more sponsors.
“But then 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. 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.”
Reid, who is the world No249, added: “Looking back on it, I knew from quite a young age, but then never thought about it during my teenage years. It then crept up on me again when I started playing on the Tour, meeting new people and travelling the world. I fell in love with a girl and I was excited about it, so I told my sister who was completely cool about it and then my brother.
“My parents are older than most but couldn’t have been better about everything.”