Tariq Mekonnen

“Being openly gay in a stereotypically masculine sport like football can be tough, but it's important for me to be true to myself and show that there's no one 'right' way to be a football player.”

Growing up in Ethiopia, Tariq Mekonnen never imagined that he would one day be playing American football in the United States. But after moving to the States for college, he quickly fell in love with the sport and began working hard to make it to the professional level. Off the field, he has also been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using his platform as a gay athlete to raise awareness and promote acceptance. Despite facing challenges both on and off the field, Tariq remains confident in his abilities and determined to make a positive impact.

What's your biggest challenge as a gay football player?

I think the biggest challenge is just feeling like I don't always fit in. Football is a very macho, heteronormative sport, and sometimes it can be hard to see where I fit in because of that. But I try to focus on the things that unite us as players and as humans, rather than the things that divide us.

What's your favorite thing about playing football?

Definitely the camaraderie with my teammates. Football is a team sport, so there's a lot of trust and reliance on each other. It's a great feeling to know that you have a group of guys who have your back on and off the field.