A FOOTBALLER has revealed the “amazing” reaction he received from his squad after he told them he was bisexual.
Jahmal Howlett-Mundle, 24, was “overwhelmed” by the response from his colleagues and coaches after he opened up about his sexuality earlier this year.
The non-league athlete recorded the heartwarming moment he shared the news with his Sheppey United teammates, which was celebrated on social media, back in July.
The defender was “close to tears” as his fellow players erupted into applause and praised their brave pal.
He has now spoken about the moving moment for this first time and how the players have surrounded him with support.
In an interview with The Athletic, Jahmal said: “The encouragement I received from teammates and staff got me a lot of attention I didn’t expect.
“I didn’t realise the impact it could have. It’s overwhelming, but the amount of beautiful messages I’ve had and the conversations since, I’m really glad I did it.
“I convinced myself it would be easier to expect a negative reaction rather than a positive one — if I expect something negative then at least it is what I thought it would be.
“Billy Bennett was the first to say something in the huddle and then everyone started clapping. I was close to tears. It was something I wasn’t expecting at all.
“The boys have been great ever since. The main focus is me and my ability.”
The 24-year-old believed it was the “right time” to be open about his sexuality and said he had been inspired by other sports stars including the likes of former rugby ace Gareth Thomas and diving sensation Tom Daley.
Assistant Manager at the Kent club, Marcel Nimani, proudly described Jahmal as a “leader on the pitch and an inspirational influencer off the field.”
But just days after his brave announcement, the footballer said he was the victim of homophobic abuse during a league match.
He described it as “regrettably unsurprising but nevertheless still extremely hurtful”, yet refused to let it throw him off his game.
BRAVE
“Abuse will come,” he told the sports publication.
“Unfortunately, that’s part and parcel of the game. I’m at a stage where I won’t react and it won’t get under my skin if this happens.”
The footballer spoke of the difficulty he felt when trying to hide his sexuality and defiantly said he can now “be a better version of the Jahmal you already know.”
“At times, I am still elated,” he said of his initial reveal. “I didn’t expect to be in the position I am now, which is incredible.
“I was scared for many years about coming out but now I feel in the best place I have been.”
The plucky young player is now on a mission to remove the stigma of sexuality in the sporting world.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
