On January 29, 2023, Jakub Jankto, a professional soccer player for the Czech Republic national team, became one of the few active players in the sport to publicly come out as gay. Jankto made the announcement in a heartfelt Instagram post, in which he thanked his family and friends for their support and expressed hope that his coming out would inspire others to be true to themselves.
Jankto’s decision to come out is significant for several reasons. For one, it highlights the ongoing struggle for acceptance and inclusion of LGBT individuals in sports, where homophobia and discrimination remain all too common. By being open about his sexuality, Jankto is helping to challenge stereotypes and break down barriers, paving the way for others to follow in his footsteps.
Moreover, Jankto’s coming out is a reminder of the courage and resilience required to be true to oneself in a world that can be hostile to difference. In his Instagram post, Jankto acknowledged the difficulties of living in the closet, saying that “for a long time, I was afraid to tell the truth about who I am.” By sharing his story, Jankto is showing that it’s possible to overcome fear and shame and find the strength to live authentically.