Davis Atkin: Trailblazing Gay Kookaburra
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Davis Atkin, a 21-year-old hockey player from the Australian Capital Territory, has become the first openly gay player to be selected for the Australian men's hockey team, the Kookaburras.
Atkin's selection was announced on Friday, February 24, and he is set to represent Australia at the 2023 Hockey World Cup in Amsterdam.
Atkin, who began playing hockey at the age of six, has been playing competitively for the past 15 years. He was publically outed in 2021 and has since become an advocate for LGBTIQ+ inclusion in sport. Atkin hopes that his selection to the Kookaburras will inspire other LGBTIQ+ athletes to pursue their dreams and feel comfortable being themselves on and off the field.
In an interview with the ABC, Atkin said that he was "really excited" to be joining the Kookaburras and that he hoped his selection would help to break down barriers for LGBTIQ+ athletes. He also praised the Australian men's hockey team for being "really accepting and really inclusive" and for creating an environment where he felt comfortable being himself.
Atkin's selection comes as the world of sport continues to grapple with issues of diversity, inclusion, and discrimination. LGBTIQ+ athletes have historically faced barriers to entry and have often felt unable to be open about their sexuality for fear of discrimination or prejudice. However, there have been a number of recent breakthroughs in this area, with athletes like Atkin leading the way and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
Overall, Atkin's selection to the Kookaburras is a significant step forward for LGBTIQ+ inclusion in sport, and a testament to his talent, dedication, and bravery in pursuing his dreams while being true to himself. It is hoped that his story will inspire other LGBTIQ+ athletes to come forward and pursue their own dreams, free from the fear of discrimination or prejudice.
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