Gareth Thomas is notable as the world's only current professional male athlete in a team sport who is openly gay. He currently plays rugby for the Crusaders in Europe's Super League.
Seeing Gareth Thomas on this clip blew my mind. I have never seen a man with so much elegance, beauty, and grace. Not only is he inspiring, but he's also courageous. I am deeply moved by this. He has truly broken all boundaries, stereotypes, walls, chains, and cages that we as a people have confined ourselves to. I couldn't help, but to smile as he filled my heart and soul up with warmth. Anyone who has had the honor of meeting you in person is very blessed. Thank you, Gareth Thomas!!!
Its good to see that a top player like him came out...cuz ppl can't shut him out if he is still a top performer...more and more, pro athletes and actors and singers, etc will be coming out.
You're story is one that I've drawn so much strength from over the years. I am so glad to see the courage you've displayed in making this video and everything you are working toward. I wish we had more sports stars in the States like you. You are an inspiration and I wish you all the best in the world!
Go Gareth! You don't know how many you've helped simply sharing the story of your life. I counsel youth and come in contact with many who struggle with simply "being" who they are. I offer myself to give them a sound board coming to grips with the truth of their life path. Wish there were more truly strong spirits who care enough to give of themselves as you have.....T h a n k YOU!
God bless you Gareth! So glad you didn't hurt yourself. Love you bud even though I don't know you. Took a lot of guts and balls to do what you did. I really admire you for having that kind of courage. You take care. All the best mate. Cheers John
Inspiring words, honest and open....why are there 15 dislikes..Homophobia, thats why...because you cannot dislike a piviotal moment in a persons life ...For all you have done to inspire people from whatever point of view you are looking at..GO ON KID !!!!
Wow ... just awesome! And you are right: we are all responsible for taking charge of your own lifes. But to do this ... very admiring. You are a true hero and role model, and I wish you lots of success in your campaigns!!
im exactly the same as him! im from england and play football not rugby! im only 19 and everything is soo confusing. I also walk across the cliffs near where i live and also want it to just end! Gareth has just made me realise im not alone, i now have hope! thank you sooo much gareth
Gareth, as a gay rugby player myself growing up, I can fully relate to your story. You were one of my favourite rugby players even before I knew you were gay, and you are an inspiration on so many levels. You were also one of my inspirations when I did my own It Gets Better video. Thank you for everything
HERO. Have no more words for you. You are that. Not just for me, but for a lot of little boys that are struggling right now with their sexuality-sexual orientation, and, on top of it, their love for sports, and the homophobia, sadly still present in environments such as this one.
Gareth if you see this, good on you mate. You did the right thing coming out and being yourself, happiness with in one self is more important than impressing your family or friends with a lie!
Play this vid with "i giorni ludovico einaudi" in the background, its alot more touching! & i would like to say i have a huge amount of respect for Gareth, what the man has gone through must of been very tough times, & too anyone who is experiencing these feelings aswell, dont be afraid to talk to people online chat sites, (remain anonymous) and dont ever fear about the public, family & friends tuning against you for who you are, just be yourself, love is love! p.s good luck on dancing on ice ♥
I think its SO GREAT that young gay men have someone like Gareth, speaking out and just BEING out. In my youth I could have never dreamed that there could be a gay man in a professional sports team. I think it's important for the whole world to see gay men as MEN, we're not all "queens" and many of us are just as masculine as the next guy, or , as in the case of Gareth, even MORE masculine than the next guy (and incredibly hot ;)) . Thank you Gareth for sharing your experience with us..
Your true has make a testimony in many people life's ... And i wish i have friends and family who support you like you do... wish to meet you in person.. anyway is just my tots. thanks for sharing yourself in CZcams. Regard: Chris Teo
Garreth, All i can say is thank you. My heart rests along side of yourse because of experience. Im there now. not wanting to live anymore or accepting who i am.....soon i will make the choice......thank you
This is a very brave and inspiring video letting us all know that we have to be true to ourselves. It took great strength for Gareth to come out and be honest with his family and friends, the kind of strength that makes you a real man, gay or not. I applaud Gareth and everthing he has done to inspire other gay men to have th ecourage to be honest with themselves and with their own family and friends.
i'm from north wales and i think gareth thomas is a very good player. i supported him when i didn't know he was gay supported him when he was supported him now he has retierd from rugby union and league.
This is inspiring, because im going thru the same thing he was going thru yet im onky 22. I dont wanna continue to lie to make everyone happy. I mean its just hard though.
Well done man. You are a fine example to young gay people the world over (and people in general, for that matter). Change is happening. Onwards and upwards.
@onebadgs400: This IS him taking responsibility for his actions. What kind of responsibility do you expect him to take? Every single television appearance/ newspaper article, he continuously apologises and tries to justify the way he feels. Do YOU even KNOW how it feels to be someone who carries feelings for the same sex & be looked down upon? Its easy to sit there and judge others because they you yourself dont feel the pain. An ounce of understanding doesnt cost anything. Good on you Gareth!
@tetsuan25 Better is relative and rightly so. It can get better if you let it. It only stays the same when you just cant let go. You cant change how the world reacts to you...the only power you have is over how you react to it!
@RonBurgundy161 some people feel threatened by those who are a little different, it's very sad, and sadder still is that they firmly believe they arent to blame for the consequences of their bigotry and hate
Seeing Gareth Thomas on this clip blew my mind. I have never seen a man with so much elegance, beauty, and grace. Not only is he inspiring, but he's also courageous. I am deeply moved by this. He has truly broken all boundaries, stereotypes, walls, chains, and cages that we as a people have confined ourselves to. I couldn't help, but to smile as he filled my heart and soul up with warmth. Anyone who has had the honor of meeting you in person is very blessed. Thank you, Gareth Thomas!!!
True Macho is someone with a true conviction, Gareth Thomas, you now are a true macho beyond your physicality.
Gareth is so cool.
I've met Gareth Thomas , he is a lovely , gentle giant ….love you Gareth!
Its good to see that a top player like him came out...cuz ppl can't shut him out if he is still a top performer...more and more, pro athletes and actors and singers, etc will be coming out.
You're story is one that I've drawn so much strength from over the years. I am so glad to see the courage you've displayed in making this video and everything you are working toward. I wish we had more sports stars in the States like you. You are an inspiration and I wish you all the best in the world!
Go Gareth! You don't know how many you've helped simply sharing the story of your life. I counsel youth and come in contact with many who struggle with simply "being" who they are. I offer myself to give them a sound board coming to grips with the truth of their life path. Wish there were more truly strong spirits who care enough to give of themselves as you have.....T h a n k YOU!
If you can come out... I think the rest of us can too. You're a real hero and a true role model.
So glad I come out finally or in the process. I'm much like Gareth, mans man. Thank you.
God bless you Gareth! So glad you didn't hurt yourself. Love you bud even though I don't know you. Took a lot of guts and balls to do what you did. I really admire you for having that kind of courage. You take care. All the best mate. Cheers John
Inspiring words, honest and open....why are there 15 dislikes..Homophobia, thats why...because you cannot dislike a piviotal moment in a persons life ...For all you have done to inspire people from whatever point of view you are looking at..GO ON KID !!!!
You are a tough guy, and you are a tough rugby player, but you're equally gentle too. We love you Gareth
I think this guy is GREAT! Admire him immensely. Period.
Gareth Thomas, you're a bold and brave man. I wish you well, my friend.
Incredible clarity and sincerity! Thank you for making this really moving video!
The one testimony that touched me the most. Thank you very much.
Gareth, You are an Angel on Earth and we are lucky that God sent you down here to teach us. God bless you ! :) Love.
Thank you so much for doing this, your story is so inspiring. You are so brave for coming out.
Wow ... just awesome! And you are right: we are all responsible for taking charge of your own lifes. But to do this ... very admiring. You are a true hero and role model, and I wish you lots of success in your campaigns!!
Thank you for doing this.You are very inspiring.
Thank you mate! Love from New York city.
I am SO in love with this guy!
Thanks so much for sharing your story I’m simply blown away.
I can't tell how much respect I have for that man for being himself.
Thank you for this, one of the best IGB vids I have seen so far. Big congrats on your coming out! I wish you the very best!
This man along with Ben Cohen will never know just how much they've positively effected my life...
God bless you Gareth.
im exactly the same as him! im from england and play football not rugby! im only 19 and everything is soo confusing. I also walk across the cliffs near where i live and also want it to just end! Gareth has just made me realise im not alone, i now have hope! thank you sooo much gareth
Gareth, as a gay rugby player myself growing up, I can fully relate to your story. You were one of my favourite rugby players even before I knew you were gay, and you are an inspiration on so many levels. You were also one of my inspirations when I did my own It Gets Better video. Thank you for everything
Just. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing mate. Wish i knew where i stood in my life.
Thank you!
Bravo, Garth! Very inspirational.
Beautiful speech. Bravo..
Thank you for telling your story...
So inspirational!
HERO. Have no more words for you. You are that. Not just for me, but for a lot of little boys that are struggling right now with their sexuality-sexual orientation, and, on top of it, their love for sports, and the homophobia, sadly still present in environments such as this one.
You can't build a life on a lie. Bravo Gareth Thomas!
Absolute Legend!!!!
The definition of what a hero is, what real strength is, what a real man is. Oh yeah, being gay ain't for sissies. Go Gareth!! You have a new fan.
Gareth if you see this, good on you mate.
You did the right thing coming out and being yourself, happiness with in one self is more important than impressing your family or friends with a lie!
Play this vid with "i giorni ludovico einaudi" in the background, its alot more touching! & i would like to say i have a huge amount of respect for Gareth, what the man has gone through must of been very tough times, & too anyone who is experiencing these feelings aswell, dont be afraid to talk to people online chat sites, (remain anonymous) and dont ever fear about the public, family & friends tuning against you for who you are, just be yourself, love is love! p.s good luck on dancing on ice ♥
Thank you you are one brill guy and I respect you and you have broke my chain
I love u so much gareth,u r an amazing guy and u r so fit too!
GREAT MAN!
Awesome dude.
If I seen Gareth Thomas in person I'd give him a big Bromance hug. Or as we say in Wales a "Cwtch" lol. He is a legend.
you are amazing. i truly hope you are happy now and can start living you best best possible life
This is incredibly admirable.
I think its SO GREAT that young gay men have someone like Gareth, speaking out and just BEING out. In my youth I could have never dreamed that there could be a gay man in a professional sports team. I think it's important for the whole world to see gay men as MEN, we're not all "queens" and many of us are just as masculine as the next guy, or , as in the case of Gareth, even MORE masculine than the next guy (and incredibly hot ;)) . Thank you Gareth for sharing your experience with us..
Lovely
thanks Gareth - life only gets better -
thats pretty inspirational
HE'S SO SINCERE, O_O. I wish everybody's like him
Your true has make a testimony in many people life's ... And i wish i have friends and family who support you like you do...
wish to meet you in person.. anyway is just my tots.
thanks for sharing yourself in CZcams.
Regard:
Chris Teo
Such courage
The movie Prayers for Bobby also saved my life.
Garreth, All i can say is thank you. My heart rests along side of yourse because of experience. Im there now. not wanting to live anymore or accepting who i am.....soon i will make the choice......thank you
god he's beautiful. not just physical beauty but the spiritual beauty.
You are a hero, and a very beautiful man.
my hero :)
Courage sets people free Bro u got heaps of courage heaps
Liiiike! Good luck to you! I realized I am not alone either!
someone to finally break the stereotypes in my head
He's such a nice guy!
I hope I can grow up to become like this man.
Well spoken, I admire your strength. I hope to be as strong as you someday, I hate the living in fear part.
that was deep brother.
This is a very brave and inspiring video letting us all know that we have to be true to ourselves. It took great strength for Gareth to come out and be honest with his family and friends, the kind of strength that makes you a real man, gay or not. I applaud Gareth and everthing he has done to inspire other gay men to have th ecourage to be honest with themselves and with their own family and friends.
i'm from north wales and i think gareth thomas is a very good player. i supported him when i didn't know he was gay supported him when he was supported him now he has retierd from rugby union and league.
This is inspiring, because im going thru the same thing he was going thru yet im onky 22. I dont wanna continue to lie to make everyone happy. I mean its just hard though.
it gets better
you are a stud buddy . :)
love u gareth--- ur my kinda guy
Im happy for him, hope he finds him a nice man to make him happy :)
hes a really nice guy
Im an open gay man and I love when people judge me. YOU only live one life... so live yours
Well done man. You are a fine example to young gay people the world over (and people in general, for that matter). Change is happening. Onwards and upwards.
He's a great player... insanely hot too!
tell me about the expectation of who I am supposed to be as a rugby player. I only play college rugby yet I feel it'll be hard to come out.
con este hombre me caso¡¡¡
top lad
@onebadgs400: This IS him taking responsibility for his actions. What kind of responsibility do you expect him to take? Every single television appearance/ newspaper article, he continuously apologises and tries to justify the way he feels. Do YOU even KNOW how it feels to be someone who carries feelings for the same sex & be looked down upon? Its easy to sit there and judge others because they you yourself dont feel the pain. An ounce of understanding doesnt cost anything. Good on you Gareth!
JEFF
It is so bitter to hear how ok everyone aroud you took it. I was not welcome at my parents house anymore.
A13gregjocksrevenge,how did u get onto this video in the first place???
He's so attractive :)
@Jansen1403 I'm sad to hear that.
i need to get one of those shirts, i'm not gay but i think everyone should where those
damn hes hot it just got a little better for me all of a sudden
@TheKenfig Every time.
Gareth Thomas is hot
@tetsuan25 Better is relative and rightly so. It can get better if you let it. It only stays the same when you just cant let go. You cant change how the world reacts to you...the only power you have is over how you react to it!
Finally, us macho gays who don't like home decorating have a role model!
Whoa, this guy has a swimming pool.
@RonBurgundy161 some people feel threatened by those who are a little different, it's very sad, and sadder still is that they firmly believe they arent to blame for the consequences of their bigotry and hate
I love his red skin. :P
@phakathisimphiwe Adam Lambert's video did that for me
@TripleGenre Haha I like that
gay and proud here, come to Cardiff Gareth, plenty of gay bars/clubs to go to :)
Sorry Gareth to disappoint you but it doesn't ever get better