BYRON PERKINS
Byron Perkins made double history this year when he became the first Division One college athlete to come out as a gay man and the first openly gay football player at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). On his Instagram, the Hampton University defensive back shared, “I’ve decided that I’m going to make a change and stop running away from myself. I’m gay, let it be known that this is not a decision or a choice. Yes, this is who I am, this is who I’ve been, and this is who I’m going to be.” He has said that being at an HBCU encouraged him to be his true and authentic self. And we don’t know who needs to hear this, but according to his school stats, Perkins has had an exceptional year on the field proving sexuality has nothing to do with scoring. Keep soaring! . —K.M.