2021 AOSSM-AANA Combined Annual Meeting Recordings-The Intangible Price for Fame: The Athlete's Mental Health (Game Changer)

The Intangible Price for Fame: The Athlete's Mental Health (Game Changer)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, the speaker, who is a former MLB player, discusses their experience as a gay athlete and the challenges they faced in the baseball industry. They grew up in a conservative family and felt pressured to hide their sexuality, leading to feelings of isolation and a secret life. They left their marriage and had a partner who passed away from HIV. The speaker explains how they never expected baseball to accept a gay man, but now they are working as MLB's first ambassador for inclusion, focusing on expanding workplace protection for sexual orientation. They discuss the importance of addressing mental health in athletes and breaking down the stigma associated with it. The speaker also mentions the positive shift in players' willingness to reach out for help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, they emphasize the need for acceptance, understanding, and support in the sports industry. No credits were mentioned.

Asset Caption

Billy Bean

Keywords

MLB player

gay athlete

challenges in baseball industry

inclusion ambassador

mental health in athletes