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LegendsBetterSleepAdidasDick’s Sporting Goods

Legends

Inspiring change, one game at a time.

BetterSleep

I was invited for a Pride 2024 collaboration with BetterSleep. Click here to read the full article.

During this year’s Pride Month, BetterSleep is proud to partner with Collin Martin, professional American soccer player for the United Soccer League’s North Carolina FC, as he narrates a SleepTale about the power of inclusivity in sport. At BetterSleep, we aim to cultivate an inclusive workplace where everyone is accepted for the unique background they bring to our team. We aspire for the joyful celebration of diversity that is synonymous with Pride Month to be our everyday standard. We believe this inclusivity enhances our strengths and equips us to better serve our community. This collaboration is one example of that.

Adidas

I collaborated with Adidas for Pride Month 2021.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

I teamed up with Dick’s Sporting Goods to share a personal letter meant to inspire and encourage the next generation of LGBTQ+ athletes to play with pride.

Enjoyed this? Follow me on Instagram, X, or Patron View for more insights.

When I decided to publicly come out in 2018, wrapping myself in a rainbow flag for that X/Twitter announcement, I couldn’t have predicted how it would reshape my life both on and off the field.

Being visible as an openly gay athlete in men’s professional sports continues to be surprisingly rare, and my journey has taught me why those barriers persist.

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A Pivotal Moment of AllyshipMoving the Conversation ForwardLooking Ahead

A Pivotal Moment of Allyship

Many people ask about the 2020 incident with my San Diego Loyal teammates.

During a match, when an opponent directed homophobic language at me, something extraordinary happened—my entire team, led by my former manager Landon Donovan, made the decision to walk off the field in protest, forfeiting the match.

What was truly powerful was having Landon stick up for me—someone who has played the game at the highest level.

The emotion of that moment was captured by Shannon MacMillan, a former Olympian and World Cup player, who said shakily on the broadcast:

“This is a group of guys that will support each other to the end.”

That moment of solidarity transformed my understanding of what true allyship looks like.

Having teammates who were willing to sacrifice a competitive opportunity to stand against discrimination showed me the positive change possible in sports culture.

Moving the Conversation Forward

The reality I’ve observed is that many athletes still calculate that coming out carries substantial risk—concerns about sponsorships, team dynamics, fan reactions, and family considerations weigh heavily.

These invisible barriers demonstrate why representation matters so deeply. Today, as I play for North Carolina FC, my perspective has evolved.

I’ve expanded my advocacy beyond the field through speaking engagements with young players, participation in pride events, and even political engagement.

Looking Ahead

While I can’t predict where my path leads after soccer, I remain committed to creating spaces where athletes can bring their full selves to their sport.

Jacob Reitan, a Minnesota attorney and gay rights activist, has suggested I might have a future in politics, saying:

“He would make a fantastic politician. He’s got the right amount of passion and energy, but also a calmness to him that I think serves politicians well.”

That night, as fans stood cheering and rainbow flags waved after my announcement, I saw the true power of visibility.

My father’s simple tweet after I came out touched me deeply:

“Collin, proud of you and what you stand for. Love Dad.”

Sports culture is changing, but that change requires both brave individuals and supportive communities. I’m grateful to be part of both conversations.

Interested in reading more about this story? Read the full article here for additional details and context about my journey in professional soccer.

Want to read more? I'm also on Instagram, X, and Patron View.

Numbers that speak to consistency, to showing up game after game.

"Steady," as I often describe my role in midfield. But five years ago, when I made the decision to come out publicly as gay, there was nothing steady about my path forward.

The soccer field has always been my home, but it's just one part of my story.

Beyond the playoff push with my NCFC teammates, I've found purpose in sharing my experiences authentically - both the beautiful moments and the challenging ones.

From building a life with my boyfriend Zach to advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, each step has shaped not just who I am as a player, but as a person.

Here is my conversation with Jon Holmes for his podcast, Football v Homophobia.

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Collin Martin on love, art and 6 years as an out gay footballer

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Transcript

John Holmes: Welcome to the Football v Homophobia Podcast. My name is John Holmes and I'm part of the campaign team bringing the pod to you via Sports Media. Lgbt. My guest for this episode is Collin Martin, who many listeners will know is an important figure in our LGBTQ football world. Collin is a midfielder for North Carolina FC in the USL Championship. It's his first season there, having previously been with San Diego Loyal and before that in MLS with Minnesota United, where he made headlines around the world in June 2018 when he came out publicly as gay on the eve of his team's Pride game. Collin is currently the only out gay or biathlete in men's professional soccer in the US he's one of just five out players known to be active on elite or second tier pro men's club rosters at this time anywhere in the world. And he's a great advocate for the LGBTQ community. We're checking in with Collin at this time because it's the pivotal point of his and North Carolina's campaign. The last game of the regular season is on Saturday night and the team is bidding to seal a playoffs berth. So we'll be talking about the state of play to start with and there's some chat about teammates, including the fine form of his friend Evan Conway. But this is a timeless conversation in which Collin reflects, self analyzes and gives his insight about the challenges and the opportunities that a gay footballer would face in the modern men's game. Please do rate, review, subscribe and share to help keep this pod going and your feedback is very welcome. Message us on socials or email me@john jonootballvhomophobia.com but for now, let's get into the chat.

John Holmes: It's great to be joined by Collin Martin for this episode of the podcast. Hi Collin.

Collin Martin: Hey John. Thanks for having me.

John Holmes: You're very, very welcome and it's fantastic to have you on this episode in particular, but I think in general, the podcast has been running for a number of years and we haven't had the opportunity, I think, to speak to you before. So very, very grateful for your time. Thank you.

Collin Martin: Yeah, of course, I'm happy to be here. Happy to talk with you.

John Holmes: Well, look, let's bring it right up to the here and now and this is a crunch week in the USL Championship last round of fixtures and in the regular season, of course. So maybe from your perspective, we've sort of filled in our listeners a little bit with an overview, but how are things looking from your perspective and North Carolina fcs?

Collin Martin: Yeah, I Think the team is gelling at the right time. We've had a bit of a roller coaster year just in terms of results. It feels like we'll win a big game and then lose a game we shouldn't and just been up and down a bunch. But at the very end of the season we sort of won some important games to put ourselves in a spot. And I'd like to think that we're a team no one wants to play come the playoffs. If we, if we can win this last game, so, so we're heading in the right direction for sure.

John Holmes: So this last game is a home game against Las Vegas Lights. Yes, they're second in the Western Conference, so quite a tough game on paper.

Collin Martin: Yeah, they've completely turned around their, the organization. They've. This is the first year they've made the playoffs and my old, their captain, Charlie Adams was my old captain in San Diego, so we'll be playing against each other again and yeah, it's good to see an organization, you know, make a, a big turnaround and it should, yeah, should be a good game. I feel like they have some, some good attacking players and, and we'll see how we match up soon.

John Holmes: And of course, this is the club's first season back at this level, if I'm right in saying so, you know, really you're chasing this victory at the weekend to extend your season into the playoffs. So what is the, kind of the, the mood around the place? What's the vibes that people feel like? Yeah, as you say, it's been up and down all season, but yeah, but there must be a feeling of like, okay, you know, we're competitive, we've kind of hit the ground running a little bit.

Collin Martin: Yeah, I think all season we've acknowledged that we, you know, we have a good roster, we have a bunch of guys that have done well in the, in the league and, and then mix that with the guys that won a championship last year at the USL League one level. We've sort of acknowledged that we've had a good group. It just hasn't really all come together. But I feel like finally we're getting the results that we, we've expected and if anything, we don't want the season to end because we're finally starting to play and, and play as a team. But yeah, it's, it's, it's taken us a bit to get there, but at least, at least we're finally kind of playing the, the right football that we should be. So we'll see what we can do.

John Holmes: And, and I was looking at some of the, the tables for like individual performances and you've got some of your teammates that really kind of high up each of those different individual ladders, as it were. Evan Conway, some scored a lot of goals, Ezra Armstrong, a lot of assists. Jake McGuire, a lot of clean sheets. So even though you know you're not right up there challenging at the very top of the, for like league leaders trophy or whatever, that would be the equivalent of that. But you know, been like you've got those individuals who've been quite clearly star performers in the league.

Collin Martin: Yeah. And we have a good goal differential. And I think the Eastern Conference this year is a little bit more competitive than the West. There's only four of the top teams in the east have solidified their position in the playoffs. So there's still four other teams that are fighting for those four spots, whereas the Western Conference is all, all eight teams have already solidified their spots. They might be still fighting for placement, but it's been a little bit more competitive. And in the east this year, for whatever reason, obviously, coming from the Western Conference in San Diego the past couple years, I thought the west was, has been very strong and still is. But I think going back to the east this year, we've seen, I mean every, pretty much every team except for last place, Miami is right there and has a chance. So I think it's just a testament to all those, all those teams on the east that have stuck with it all season.

John Holmes: Exciting, exciting. Well, let's get into you individually then a little bit. So this has been milestone season for you a little bit. 150 regular season appearances. That was a mark that you've reached. You've got your big 30 birthday coming up very soon. I saw. So this is like maybe kind of a touch point in your career. So how do you feel like you've performed and where, where you're at career wise at the moment?

Collin Martin: Yeah, I think, you know, anytime you change clubs, there's going to be a lot of different things that you have to go through. Obviously it was a cross country move for myself. I'd been on a team for four years where, you know, you're established and, and when you're anywhere for that long, I think that obviously they appreciate your play and appreciate what you've brought to the table. And I was fortunate that, you know, my play allowed me to then come to North Carolina. But, you know, I think it, it takes time to settle into a new life, a new home and a lot of changes, for sure. Just even off the field, I feel like I'm, I've grown up in a lot of ways this year that, that I haven't even in the past, but in terms of my play, I think I've been, you know, I've, I, I, I pride myself on just being very steady. You know, you're not going to get the eight, nine out of ten performances from me, at least. I, you know, I still haven't scored this year, which is unfortunate, but I've provided some assists and, you know, I try to just have a solid game, especially in the midfield. You know, you're not always, it's not always the glamorous position, you know, on the field, but. So I think I've been steady, and I think only as I get to know my teammates and they get to know me, just continue to play better. And I think also being a new club and trying to mold new players, from last year to this year, I've talked about how it takes some time to, to gain that love for the club and that, that, that understanding of what it means to, to play for, for a club. And so, you know, I think that's taken a little time and I think the group is, is sort of taking some time to figure out, you know, what's special about this team, so.

John Holmes: And how helpful was it that you had former loyal teammate in Evan coming into the club at the same, same time as you? I, I'm not sure if you, there are other teammates that you played with before as well.

Collin Martin: Yeah, no, it's been big. Obviously, Evan was a good friend when I was in, in San Diego and obviously a huge, huge ally. And to be able to continue to play with him, he's, he's obviously a great player and is having a good year. It's been, it's been really amazing. And I mean, he's my best friend off the field as well, so we spent a ton of time together and it's, it's been very special, to say the least.

John Holmes: That's, that's awesome. And I know how important that must be. So, so also I was looking at the timeline, summer 2013, when you started out at D.C. united, Pride Month 2018, when you. Your personal news with the world.

Collin Martin: Yeah.

John Holmes: And so actually, as a pro player, you've now been publicly out for longer than when you weren't out. So when you think about that time, what changes have you sort of seen in yourself between then and now?

Collin Martin: Yeah, that's a, that's a lovely question. You know, I I think when I first started off as a professional, I think it was unique that I was living still with my parents as a 18 year old. And I think understanding that I was living at home and also trying to explore my sexuality while also starting my career, there was a lot going on there. And I think I made huge steps in trying to explore my sexuality at first when I first signed my contract in D.C. but maybe I hadn't grown up as much as like an adult and living on my own. And so then I think when I went to Minnesota, I really started to make a lot of steps, you know, as a young adult and living on my own for the first time. And coming out obviously was, was huge and really starting to see what's, you know, what's important to me outside of soccer too. And then I think the San Diego years over the past four were huge just for my footballing side of things. I actually got to enjoy playing and being a part of special teams and kind of making my. A name for myself on the field, which I desperately wanted to do. I hadn't really done that up to this. Up to that point. I played a little bit in the mls, but I never really was a starter and so that was huge. And then now being in my second major relationship and moving across the country and moving into a home with my partner, I feel like this is a whole new level in my, my professional life. And so I think, what is it now? I think this is my 12th season, so that's kind of crazy to think about. And this is a whole new phase in my career that I'm, I'm trying to, you know, establish what that means for me. And definitely I now can say that I'm grateful for every. Everything that's come and just trying to soak it all in too, because you never know how long you're going to play.

John Holmes: Yeah. And what you were saying there about like, I think kind of outside interests and you know, kind of learning about your, what you might be interested in off the field as well. It just kind of strikes me that quite a few examples, I think, of athletes in men's sports who have had kind of similar interests off field. That's really helped them maybe learn more about themselves in, in every sense. I mean, Robbie, Robbie Rogers and fashion, that was obviously a big thing for Robbie. And Andy Brennan, who I interviewed on this podcast in the previous episode, was talking about studying psychology and how that's a real interest to him. Thomas Beatty Entrepreneurship is his big thing. And I mean, I know that you're very interested in history and art and these are kind of maybe not typical sort of pursuits, I guess, of male athletes, perhaps, but. Yeah, like what's. What is that kind of added to your sort of sense of understanding? I guess. I mean, there's a. The lack of representation in the sport often comes down to that conformity and being cocooned, I think maybe within the sport, but, you know, stepping outside of that. That must be such a big part of your story, I guess.

Collin Martin: Yeah. I mean, I've always been comfortable, you know, in museums and surrounded by art and learning about art. And I. I think it's important to be able to have things outside of football that. That enamor you, that. That make you feel interested, that. That things that you, you know, you want to learn about and, and that you can engage with that can take a little bit of a. Edge off what you do, because obviously, you know, being an athlete, it can feel all consuming at times. So. I know for me it's going to museums and just walking around and looking at art. It's a huge escape for me. I haven't quite figured out what I'm going to do after. After playing and. But that the art world at large is some. Is something I've definitely thought about. And whether, you know, it's just collecting and being in and around art on a personal level or if I could, you know, make a career of it somehow, it's definitely an ongoing love. And recently I've collected some photographs which I've. That's been a. A different medium that I've kind of explored. But. But yeah, you never know when. When you're going to be done playing. So, yeah, I feel like it's important to diversify your interests for sure, outside of the game.

John Holmes: Maybe I'm being unfair on other players, but I guess maybe that's the sense of what I get. Like, I don't see much evidence of that certainly over here in this country of kind of players being interested in museums and galleries and. Etc. But I mean, maybe your experience is different. Maybe you do know of teammates and opposition players that you encounter who do have these kind of what might be deemed unusual outside interests. Is that right?

Collin Martin: Yeah, I mean, of course. Yeah. I think when you get to know someone, you realize all of my teammates have unique interests that I think would. Would be intriguing to. To fans. And I've. I found it really fun to go to museums actually with teammates. So this year we've gone. I've taken Evan to a couple museums on the road and then Our, our other teammate Jacori, on the road and just to see the way they interact with the art and what pieces strike, you know, interest in them is, is really fun. But. But yeah, I think when you, when you dig deeper, you realize that even if it's just like a genre of book that people like to read or. Yeah. How people spend their, their free time, because it can, it can feel like all we do is just play and, and have games on the weekend and we don't have much of a social life, you know, so. But it is interesting when you dig a little deeper, for sure.

John Holmes: And do you have like a historical period of choice or like an art movement? Is there something that you gravitate towards in museums?

Collin Martin: Yeah, for sure. Well, even, even just in terms of what I'm, I'm reading, I picked up two, two books this week. One's called the Art Thief. Some, some French guy was running around Europe stealing prized works of art, and I think he housed it in his mother's house in France. And she had, she apparently had no idea that these works were worth millions of dollars and were super valuable. He eventually when he. I think he's about to get caught, I think he throws or he damages the work works. And it's like so sad because I mean, they were brilliant pieces of, of art and he just, he damaged them without any regard. There's more to the story. That's why I need to read the book. But, but yeah, in terms of, in terms of art, I mean, I'm interested in all different types of, of art, so modern art, impressionist work. I mean, I like Roy Lichtenstein, Cy Twombly, European art and really any, any and all art. So I have an interest in it all. Really.

John Holmes: Great. Well, I'm sure people that follow you on Instagram have familiar with your, like, journeys around Europe and, and going to art galleries and stuff.

Collin Martin: Yeah, I'll be in Paris in, in January, so I'll be going to more museums there when I, when I visit, so.

John Holmes: Fantastic. Well, we'll look out for those snaps alongside that in some respects, I guess is, you know, other things you do off field. And this year particularly, you've been doing a bit more kind of partnership work. I know that you've had two pride month activations, I think, in consecutive years with Legends, the clothing company. And you also had one with better sleep this year as well. So maybe just talk to me a little bit about those, how they came about, why those opportunities appealed to you perhaps.

Collin Martin: Yeah, Legends was a brand based in L. A And we worked when I was in San Diego together and you know, I think we both acknowledged that we wanted to push that east coast market a little bit and, and to do something fun that was pride related when during my time in North Carolina this season. So that, that all kind of happened naturally and then the better sleep. Actually someone that was in the company was living in North Carolina and I think my name just popped up and he thought it would be really cool to, to share my story but also use a bedtime story and with meditation in mind and in wellness. And it was actually a pretty unique experience. I've never done something like that. We were in a booth or a studio for about 5, 6 hours recording the story. And I mean I had to go over my lines over and over again because the intonation wasn't right or because I misspoke a word. And it was very labor intensive. But that was fun. It was cool to share a coming out story and kind of use components of my story, Minnesota and San Diego and. But have it just be light and pretty. Yeah, I think it was, it was fun to, to share the light side of a coming out story and, and not have to focus on, you know, all the barriers that people face when, when coming out. It felt very naive in a way, but a nice way.

John Holmes: Yeah, well that's, that's, that's brilliant. And I think, yeah, this is an area that's. Is often spoken about being like this kind of burgeoning opportunity, I think for out gay men, particularly sport that wasn't really there before, you know, this idea that, you know, actually could be quite a lucrative thing for your career. I'm not saying you've made like pots of money out of partnerships, but I mean it's. What, to what extent do you feel maybe that kind of gay athletes are actually maybe poised to reap these potential benefits if and when they do take that step? Or are we maybe running it, Running ahead of ourselves a little bit?

Collin Martin: Yeah, no, I mean, I think it just, it depends on the personality. It depends on. It depends on the. Yeah, the person. I personally don't love to put myself out there as much. I mean it may seem like I, I do, but I think I've slowed down over the years a bit. And a lot of the work I've done has come supernaturally just through relationships. And I don't have a publicist, I don't have a agent that my agent is solely on the football side. And so I don't have someone going out and trying to find brands for me and trying to find that extra money. My partner jokes that, that I really should be, because they're. I think there. There is a market out there for sure. But, you know, I've tried to share my. My story and, and be open and out and, and do it in different ways and. Yeah, even just working with. With the groups that I've. I've worked with that are doing advocacy over the years, I think that stuff is. Is meant more than me, more to me than even that, some of the Instagram stuff, and, and even this year and, And. And moving forward, I want to do more work on the local level, too. So I, I think, you know, even the, you know, in North Carolina, I, I want to be a little bit more involved than I have even this year, just with the local LGBTQ community and whether that's giving my money but time and, you know, even maybe mentoring local kids. And I haven't really been able to. To make an impact here locally yet in the way I want to, so we'll see.

John Holmes: Well, that's. That sounds really exciting. And I'm sure all these other opportunities will still kind of come along for you. And I was looking at, you know, some of the messaging, like in the Legends activation that you did in the summer, and, you know, there's language in there about, like, leaving an impactful legacy, and I guess that plays into. Into what you just kind of were speaking about there. Working with young people in the community and, you know, wanting them to really be inspired, I guess, by your story, whether they've heard it through Legends or whether they've heard it through Better Sleep or just another way that they've connected with you, I suppose that for athletes who are. Who are LGBTQ and maybe sort of wanting to make a difference, and, I mean, I suppose, like, legacy can feel like quite a big word to take on, but actually there. There are opportunities there, aren't there?

Collin Martin: Yeah, I mean, I, I think definitely that wasn't me that wrote that, was it? But I don't take my being out lightly, and, And I know that I can make a difference in. In different ways. You know, and whether sometimes I'm. I'm having more of an impact on my locker room itself and, and what that means to be an out player and be a representative of a large, diverse community, but also just trying to. To change hearts and minds, and in my locker room itself, I don't. I don't take that lightly. Who knows? You know, who knows who's coming to the games and, and the Stadium and, and if they, if they know about my story and, and I hope they do, if that makes someone feel more comfortable to continue to play in the sport and that, that's, that's what it's about for me. So that's why I, I won't shy away about continuing to try to do that work and to try to be very open about what it means to be a gay soccer player.

John Holmes: Yeah. And, and that's why I always, I also think, you know, everything that you are interested in off the field is also such an important part of it because it just lets young people maybe know that you don't have to be one particular way. You know, you don't have to be conformist. You don't have to necessarily kind of do everything the same way that your teammates do it. There are ways for you to kind of express yourself and you know, I guess the whole part of your story is that, you know, we can almost kind of, you can always see it in the, in the progress that you know that you've had like self acceptance, confidence, you've got those strong, supportive relationships around you. And I guess all this is required to some extent before you even think about coming out, you know, in a public way. So, I mean, how much do you think we are helping those young people who are going to be tomorrow's big stars who might be kind of going through those similar experiences? Are they getting the right messages filtered down to them? Because as we know, there haven't been a huge amount of people that have done what you've done.

Collin Martin: No, I mean that's, it's an important question to ask. Are we doing enough to make sure that people, that there's no doubt in their minds that they're going to be accepted and supported? I think there's for sure more work to be done. I think that's where, like you said, on a person to person basis, that support that they need to be able to make a decision to come out is massive. And I've talked when I came out how important it was for every pillar of my life for me to have worked and acknowledged and was made to feel safe. So even for example, my faith, you know, as an growing up in the Episcopal Church, if I hadn't reconciled in my head that I was going to be able to still show up at church and, and that I was still going to be able to have a relationship with God now what, whether I have an amazing relationship now or whatever that relationship was going to be like, I, I don't, I Don't think I, I knew, but I wanted to make sure that I at least felt accepted by the church and felt accepted by my community before I came out. If that was an area where I didn't, and I felt like that was a huge barrier, maybe I would have stayed in the closet. Obviously, family is a huge one that I think cannot be understated. I mean, if you just have one parent or close family member that is directly against you coming out and is not supportive, I mean, that is so detrimental to being able to take a step to coming out publicly. You have to have very thick skin, I think, to be able to, to separate that pain and that, that hurt from someone that so directly should love you and probably does. But that's a huge barrier. And then on the sporting side, we know that there's, there's, you know, if you don't feel safe with your teammates or your agent is telling you not to do it, or you have sponsorships that might be not welcoming, that there's so many different things that have to align. And I think that's when, like you said, you have to be confident in your decision and you have to, you have to be willing to, to sacrifice some, some people and some of those things in order to, to have your happiness and your peace of mind that you, that you're living your, your authentic life.

John Holmes: And does it in any way perplex you or that you are, I suppose, the only out gay professional sportsman in US Leagues at this time? I mean, there's, there aren't any, as we know, in sort of NBA, NFL at the moment. I know they have in the past, but, you know, we've reached this kind of point on the arc where we seem to have come back upon ourselves a little bit in terms of representation.

Collin Martin: Yeah, it is bizarre. It is bizarre. And part of me thinks that maybe some athletes are interacting with their sexuality on a more private basis. I think, I think there's a lot of queer and bisexual athletes out there that maybe are just, that are just exploring their sexuality and, or living out their sexuality but in privacy or you're just. Yeah. On their own accord and don't need to come out. I think that might be the case. But yeah, I, I don't think about it too often, but when you ask me and I think about it now, I do think it's crazy that there is not any out male athlete at the, at, at the five major league sports in America. It is crazy. So I, I don't know. And, and I don't think it's necessarily anything that society is doing to hold that back. You know, I, I don't, I don't think so. I think there's been enough people that have broken down the barriers. So it is, it's. It's perplexing, for sure.

John Holmes: Yeah. And as I completely agree with what you're saying as well, you know, I think there are no, there are no real explanations at times. There's so many different factors that kind of. And everyone's individual circumstances are different. And as you say. I think, I think, yeah, because we know from what we hear from Gen Z surveys, etc. That, you know, young men are probably, maybe more likely to identify as queer or bisexual, maybe even more so than identifying as gay because. Yeah, that just seems to be the way that, you know, young people are kind of interacting with the world and with their sexual orientation as well. So there are kind of layers and layers and layers to kind of dip into. But it's an interesting state of play, I think, that we find ourselves in. You know, I was always really interested as well in just obviously your story about the. What happened at San Diego, Loyal in that one game that brought you a lot of attention and, you know, was a learning moment, I think, for football. I hope you feel, I'm sure, sure you do see the, the constructive parts of what happened in terms of educating people and, and how it, it seemed to move the conversation on. I was always really interested in, like, how your teammates reacted around you. And I, I know you felt very kind of like it was awkward for you because this, that for a match, for them to walk off the pitch, that was never. You've explained it before, like it's never what you wanted. It was like it made you feel very awkward and uncomfortable with the way that your teammates kind of reacted around you and so how you were able to kind of talk through it after, after it all happened. Do they see it in a different way to how you saw it at the time, or have you kind of shared stories on that level?

Collin Martin: Yeah, I think if anything, looking back on it now, you know, five years on or so, it would be a lot easier for me to have understood in my third or fourth season after being around a lot of those guys. For them to do that, I think it would have been, you know, for me a lot more easier to understand because they're, they really knew me. They, they, they loved me and we were such a close locker room. It would have been less surprising and less crazy to me. But I think the fact that it was still, in our first year, we had played what that might have been our 15th game as a, as a team because, because of COVID So I think it will always be a little bit surprising to me that, that it happened in the first place, but also that my teammates were able to be so clear in their conviction in walking off the field. For me, even now I think about my locker room now, there's so many different opinions. There's so many different people from different backgrounds. I mean, we can barely agree upon what we're going to do with our, our fine money at the end of the year, you know, but for every player in that locker room to be so clear that they were not going to continue if, if there wasn't something done to me that still will, will, will blow my mind a bit. Not that they didn't love me in the moment or support me in the moment, but just in general how they were able to separate everything that that game meant in the moment to be able to support me in something bigger. Yeah, I mean, it still will surprise me, but that I felt that level of support throughout my time in San Diego and still in North Carolina now too. It's just in different ways.

John Holmes: Yeah. And Evan was also part of that team. Was he? At the time?

Collin Martin: He was. He came in after two seasons. So we played only two seasons in San Diego. Right. But I think, yeah, so I think for. Even just for team teammates coming into the team, I think it was very clear if you were going to join that team, there was, there was a level of expectation for how. Yeah, there was going to be no room for someone that wasn't accepting.

John Holmes: Yeah.

Collin Martin: And there still shouldn't be with any other team. But I think it was very clear where we stood. And I think that, that, that is very powerful and is a credit to my teammates in the club and Landon and everyone involved with that organization. Really.

John Holmes: Yeah, it was, it was a wild time. I mean, you know, 2020, everything that went along with it, but the circumstances that led up to that moment as well, the fallout from it, those challenges, I suppose at the moment, you know, FIFA seem to be not wanting that kind of thing to happen. They seem to be very clear that players walking off the field when moments of discrimination happen is bad for the game. So they, they're obviously encouraging players now to kind of do this cross arms gesture. Have you seen this? I don't. The new kind of anti racism campaign. They've got, it's this, this gesture. They've encouraged players to kind of do this crossed arms Is that when a.

Collin Martin: Fan is racist towards a player, I think it's. A player is racist towards a player.

John Holmes: I think it's for either. I think it's for. Yeah, it seems to be like if you are a player and you, you experience or you witness some form of discrimination, you signal to the referee that this has happened by making this gesture and the. Is then supposed to kind of either follow the, the protocols, you know, the kind of three step FIFA protocol, or, you know, some other kind of. Whether the referee just makes a note of it in this report, I don't really know. It's not, it doesn't really seem to be particularly well thought through from my. And they've only ever spoken about it in terms of racism, not other forms of discrimination, so. Interesting times.

Collin Martin: Yeah, that is, that is. I mean, no real comment on that other than that. It's, it's a tricky situation, but you have to be able to support players, fans, coaches, referees from any type of abuse. And you can't expect someone just to have to play on or play through that type of abuse because ultimately it's going to lead to. It's just wrong to begin with, but then ultimately it's going to lead to a reaction of some sort that is not going to be helpful for eradicating that type of hate. You can take that however you want it. If the reaction is I go and punch the player in the face, that is a reaction that is ultimately going to be equally detrimental to the game, to the people that are taking part of the game. As to. If I tell a referee that there was a homophobic slur. So I think there's, there's, there's right things you can do in the moment and there's. And there's wrong things. And the most wrong thing is to just acknowledge that it's going to continue to happen and there's nothing we can do about it.

John Holmes: Yeah, quite, quite right, too. And yeah, I don't think we'll know how this kind of new FIFA gesture is going to actually work in practice until somebody does it on the pitch.

Collin Martin: Yeah, I mean, well, if FIFA doesn't want any clear expression of support for the LGBTQ community, then how are they going to want any real solidarity for when there's discrimination? We can't be expecting that, can we?

John Holmes: No, no, absolutely not. Well, look, I had a couple more questions for you. I know we were talking about relationships and, like, moving across the country, you sort of spoke a little bit about your part partner. And you and Zach, you do share some photos together on Instagram now and again, maybe sometimes tweet at each other. Can you, can you tell our listeners maybe a little bit about him? And I know he's an athlete as well. Is that right?

Collin Martin: Yeah, yeah, for, for sure. And his own. I mean, I think he, he works out way more than I do. He's got an event for anyone that's interested. He is in. It's a high rocks competition. So it's some, it's similar to CrossFit, I would say, but it's, it's got its own unique challenges. Yeah, he, he is, he's busy. He's. He's building a company and he's in, I'd say commercial real estate is the easiest way to describe his, the world he's in. And, but he's got a heavy interest in the fitness and health world and various degrees. And so it helps that he, he's. He's the cook in the house and is very health conscious. He barely drinks. I do drink. So it's like we have some interesting. I'm the professional athlete, but he trains harder than I do. So it's, it's, it's, it's, it's a little bizarre, but, but yeah, no, we've, we moved in earlier this year and, and have outfitted a home here in, in Raleigh and I think there's, we've both grown a ton this year, so it's the first time I've moved in with a partner and, and the same with him. He's a little bit older. He just turned 43, so we're figuring out on the go, but we've got it. We've got a nice little life and, and he is a large part. We, we have to thank to him and everything that he does for us, so.

John Holmes: Fantastic. Well, I've, I've sort of, I'm quite aware of High Rocks, actually. And some of our listeners will be as well because another of our friends, former podcast guests, a guy called Jake Williamson, who's a former amateur footballer but has become a high rocks athlete, has kind of grown. Grown a bit of a profile over here. He might have even encountered Zach in competition.

Collin Martin: Yeah.

John Holmes: Before. Because. Because Jake is competing at the very high level of High Rock. So I'm sure there's different categories and.

Collin Martin: Yeah.

John Holmes: And experiences.

Collin Martin: But, but yeah, this will be Zach's first competition at the, the professional level or, or, or whatever they call it in Dallas next month.

John Holmes: Okay.

Collin Martin: Well, he's been training really hard for it, so we'll see how he does Fantastic.

John Holmes: Well, I'm gonna. I'm gonna check in with Jake and find out if Dallas is on his schedule as well, because it seems.

Collin Martin: It seems there's a lot of different competition, so. So I'd be surprised, but maybe.

John Holmes: Brilliant. Well, look, last question, really. I suppose just looking ahead to 2026 and the world cup, which of course is going to be huge for the country. We are as football v. Homophobia. We're an anti discrimination campaign, but we're also like a community building project. And we've got people in some of the different cities across North America are going to be involved in bringing Pride houses to this 2026 World Cup. How important do you think they are? How impactful do you think they can be in terms of being welcoming spaces, not just for LGBTQ people, but for our allies or our potential allies to learn a little bit more about our community in football as well?

Collin Martin: I think they're huge. I think they're exciting. I can't wait to be a part of them myself. Like you said, I think they're a place for. For people to go to feel safe and whether you're part of the community or not. And I think it's going to be a stark contrast from Qatar and the open openly against they were. That they were in Qatar of LGBTQ community coming full stop to the. To the World Cup. I think that in the US you're going to see a stark contrast of that. It's going to be, I hope, the most accepting World cup that's ever been put on. And yeah, I think that there's going to be a ton of gay fans that are going to come into these. Come to the US for these games and they need to be know that there's houses for them at a lot of different venues. So I'm excited and I definitely, yeah, hope to be a part of them.

John Holmes: Yeah, absolutely. Let's hope so. And I think, you know, there's a chance for all of us who are working in this space or have got an interest in, you know, and having is these kind of fantastic, as you say, venue spaces in prime houses that can bring people together. I think it. I think it is going to be super important. And yeah, that contrast between the previous Men's World cup and this one is going to be quite clear. Look, I think that's pretty much, yeah, all that I had to ask you. I don't know if there's anything else that you wanted to kind of to share or to add as part of this maybe that we haven't spoken about, but I know Your focus is 100 on the weekend.

Collin Martin: Yeah, yeah, that's the focus. And from there, you know, I've got another year on my contract so I'll continue to be playing and I hope to be, yeah, continue to be the out player that, that we need and a shining example of, of what that visibility means. So, yeah, nothing, nothing to really share but just proud to still be playing and proud to be able to talk with you. So I appreciate it.

John Holmes: No, thank you so much. And from all of us on the campaign over here and, you know, followed your story and followed your career, we're like hugely grateful for your visibility and, and for, you know, your advocacy as well, alongside sharing your own story. It's, it's really, really meaningful to us. So thank you and it's fantastic to have a chat with you. Thank you so much.

Collin Martin: Thanks, John. Appreciate it.

John Holmes: So there we have it. Collin and North Carolina FC chasing the result they need on Saturday night at WakeMed park in Kerry. We'll be keeping tabs on that and our fingers crossed for the team. Remember, you can keep tabs on the Football v Homophobia campaign, on our anti discrimination work and our community building events on our socials and website. We're busy planning for the fifth Annual Football v Homophobia Awards. They're going to be held in Glasgow on Friday 7th March 2025 and you'll be able to suggest worthy clubs, fan groups and individuals when the nominations window opens later in 2024. The four weeks in February leading up to the awards is our regular campaign activation. That's the FVH month of action. Get ahead of the game now by factoring that into your plans. Whatever level you play at, whatever role you have in the game, we'd encourage you to join us in taking a stand against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and recommit to making your football spaces LGBTQ inclusive. Thank you again to Collin for being our guest on this episode. And maybe you also have a story or experience linked to being LGBTQ in football that you'd be up for sharing here. We'd love to learn more about that, so drop me a line. John Jonootball v homophobia.com it just leaves me to say thank you for listening and for supporting feh. Join us again soon for another episode. Until then, from all of us on the campaign, it's cheerio.

Major League Soccer (MLS)

The premier professional soccer league in the United States and Canada, featuring 29 teams across both countries.

Website: https://www.mlssoccer.com/

United Soccer League (USL)

The largest professional soccer organization in North America, operating multiple leagues across the United States.

Website: https://www.uslsoccer.com/

MLS Teams

D.C. United

One of the founding members of Major League Soccer, based in Washington, D.C., known for their rich history and four MLS Cup championships.

Website: https://www.dcunited.com/

Minnesota United FC

An innovative MLS club known for their passionate fanbase and state-of-the-art Allianz Field stadium in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Website: https://www.mnufc.com/

USL Teams

Richmond Kickers

One of the longest-running professional soccer clubs in the United States, competing in USL League One.

Website: https://www.richmondkickers.com/

San Diego Loyal SC

A former USL Championship team that made history through their stance against discrimination and commitment to community values.

Note: Team operated from 2020-2023

North Carolina FC

A professional soccer team based in Cary, North Carolina, competing in the USL Championship with a strong focus on local talent development.

Website: https://www.northcarolinafc.com/

Creative Collaborations

Ground Floor Murals

A San Diego-based artistic duo known for their large-scale murals and community-focused art installations.

Special Project: Kit unveiling and personal mural in Hillcrest, San Diego (2023)

Website: https://www.groundfloormurals.com/

Play Proud with Common Goal

Website: https://www.common-goal.org/

Since 2021, I've pledged 1% of my salary to Play Proud, a Common Goal initiative focused on making soccer more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community.

As one of only three openly gay male professional players worldwide at the time, this partnership has special significance in addressing systemic barriers in the sport.

The initiative focuses on:

• Combating homophobia at youth levels
• Creating inclusive environments for young players
• Educating coaches and youth leaders
• Preventing early dropout of LGBTQ+ youth from soccer

Through Play Proud, we're working to ensure that future generations of LGBTQ+ players can pursue their dreams in soccer without facing discrimination or feeling the need to hide their identity.

Athlete Ally

Website: https://www.athleteally.org/

My partnership with Athlete Ally has been instrumental in advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. As a Pro Ambassador, I work alongside this nonprofit organization to create welcoming athletic environments and challenge homophobia and transphobia in sports.

Key Highlights:

• Honored at the Sixth Annual Athlete Ally Action Awards (2019)
• Participated in "Playing for Pride" initiative with fellow soccer players
• Regular speaking engagements with student athletes and professional players
• Advocacy work focused on creating inclusive sport communities

The organization has been a crucial platform for sharing my story and supporting other LGBTQ+ athletes. As the only openly gay active MLS player at the time of my coming out in 2018, this partnership helped amplify the message that sport should welcome everyone, regardless of their identity.

Community Initiatives

San Diego Loyal Impact Programs

During my time with SD Loyal, I was part of several impactful community initiatives:

• Leal Sin Muros (Loyal Without Walls): Building connections in the Cali-Baja region
• Mission Gratitude: Supporting active duty and veteran military families
• Heart of San Diego: Community volunteer program
• Together San Diego: Partnership with San Diego Pride for diversity and inclusion
• Soccer Capital: Youth development and academy programs

Speaking Engagements

Advocacy in Sports

I regularly engage with organizations and institutions to share my experiences and advocate for:

• LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports
• Mental health awareness
• Youth development in soccer
• Creating safe spaces in athletics

Awards & Recognition

2021 USL Impact Player of the Year

This recognition from the United Soccer League celebrated my commitment to social justice and creating inclusive spaces in soccer. The award highlighted:

• Leadership in LGBTQ+ advocacy
• Partnership with Common Goal (1% salary pledge)
• Hosting restorative justice workshops
• Participation in USL's "A Conversation On Sport and Inclusivity"

SD Loyal Community Impact

As part of SD Loyal's award-winning community engagement programs, I participated in initiatives that made real change in San Diego:

• Raised $50,000 for Rady Children's Hospital
• Supported local youth through free soccer camps
• Engaged with military families and veterans
• Participated in cross-border community building
• Contributed to inclusive sports programming with San Diego Pride

Follow @northcarolinafc on Instagram

I wanted to share some excerpts from the article that really stood out to me, but I encourage you to read the full story here.

Here's what they wrote about my current season:

Collin Martin has experienced many complexities of coming out in men's sports. Yet the out gay athlete still thinks the current situation of invisibility is "crazy" in the U.S. major leagues.

Being An Out Athlete

The article points out something that still surprises me - how few openly gay athletes there are in major sports.

Here's what they wrote about it:

The total number of active players on rosters in the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS combined in any one season is around 5,000. Six years ago, Martin became the sole representation for gay and bi men in elite soccer at that time, when he came out publicly while with Minnesota United. Carl Nassib has since come out and gone in the NFL.

While I understand why some players want to keep their private life private, I'm happy being open about who I am.

New Life in North Carolina

One of the best parts of this year has been moving to North Carolina with my boyfriend, Zach.

The article captured this new chapter perfectly:

"Moving across the country, into a home with my partner, I feel like this is a whole new level in my professional life," says Martin, who will celebrate his 30th birthday in early November. "We moved in earlier this year and have outfitted a home here in Raleigh and I think we've both grown a ton this year. It's the first time I've moved in with a partner, and the same with him."

Making a Difference

Beyond playing, I'm committed to making soccer more welcoming for everyone.

Here's how the article described my approach:

"I don't take my being out lightly and I know that I can make a difference in different ways," says Martin. "Sometimes I'm having more of an impact on my locker room itself and what that means to be an out player there, as the representative of a large diverse community, just trying to change hearts and minds."

What's Next

I've got another year on my contract, and I'm excited about the future.

As quoted in the article:

"I've got another year on my contract, so I'll continue playing and I hope to continue to be the out player that we need and a shining example of what that visibility means."

The full article on Outsports.com goes into more detail about my season with North Carolina FC and includes more about my life both on and off the field.

You can also read more on my interview with the Football v Homophobia Podcast.

As I sat down for this interview with Legends, I reflected on my journey not just as a soccer player, but as someone who has lived at the intersection of professional sports and personal identity.

I've always believed in letting my performance on the field speak for itself.

"I only wanted my game to speak for itself"

Thinking back to those early years when soccer wasn't just a sport for me – it was my sanctuary and my future.

Like most professional athletes, I spent countless hours perfecting my skills, pushing my limits, and chasing my dreams.

But my journey carried an additional weight that shaped both my determination and my approach to the game.

My Interview

Watch my interview with Legends here.

Transcript

I only wanted my game to speak for itself. Part of my drive as a kid, understanding that I was different in terms of my sexuality, was I wanted nothing to get in the way of me becoming a professional. And ultimately, that's what drove me. And so I think being able to merge those two has been super special. And being able to celebrate myself and what makes me unique, but also bringing that to the sport and helping other people that were like me as younger kids, because I know that I had to push through a lot as a young to make sure that I wasn't going to let anything affect my chance to play the game I love.

Watch my interview here.

Conclusion

Perhaps the most rewarding part of my journey has been the opportunity to help others who see themselves in my story.

When I think about young LGBTQ+ athletes pushing through their own challenges, I'm reminded of why visibility matters.

It's my hope that by sharing my story and living authentically, I can help make that path a little easier for those who follow.

1️⃣0️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ minutes later🙌 Congratulations to Collin Martin for recording 10,000 USL regular season minutes during tonight’s match! You are a force on and off the field and we’re honored to be a part of your story💙

Posted on Instagram by @northcarolinafc

150 and counting📈 Congratulations to Collin Martin for reaching 150 regular-season appearances! You’ve made a massive impact in football and we’re proud to be a part of your story💙

What this club built was truly special and knowing that it will cease to exist is the hardest part about saying goodbye to this chapter in my life.

This club taught me a ton and I will take those lessons with me for the rest of my life.

The relationships that were forged here were authentic and we all created a place where everyone could bring their true selves to the fold.

I take immense pride knowing that I was a small part of the fabric of this club.

Thank you to everyone that has made this journey so special.

San Diego will always feel like home. 🧡💚

As teammates at San Diego, we've both navigated different journeys in professional sports, and this was a chance to explore those paths together, sharing insights that rarely get discussed publicly.

[image: http://collinm.vs3.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/04/Me-and-Kailan-800x385.jpeg]

Me and Kailen

Our conversation covered everything from coming out experiences and family reactions to the unique challenges of being your authentic self in locker room environments. We discussed the importance of visibility, education, and creating safe spaces in sports for athletes of all identities.

Key Takeaways

This conversation with Kailen revealed several important insights about the LGBTQ+ experience in professional sports and the progress we're still working toward.

1. Visibility Matters: We discussed how seeing others live authentically creates pathways for others. Kailen shared: "If we can have more people to be brave like you and like him and like the people before me, because I feel like I didn't have to be because of them, you know, and we can just have people living happier and more authentic lives." This visibility can make all the difference for young athletes looking for role models.
2. Coming Out Journeys: There's no single way to come out. As Kailen put it, "It's so personal. It's like what you feel comfortable with, what is going to help you just be you and live more truthfully." Whether it's a public announcement or simply living openly, the goal is authenticity.
3. Locker Room Culture: The locker room can be both a place of profound acceptance and challenging territory. Both Kailen and I experienced times when we felt uncomfortable due to language or assumptions. Creating respectful environments starts with education and honest conversations.
4. Family Acceptance: We both shared stories about our families' initial reactions and adjustment periods. The fear, confusion, and eventual acceptance are common experiences, with Kailen noting: "I think it took longer than both of us wanted to. But at the end of the day, we did talk and sat down and hashed it out."
5. Looking Forward: We both envision a future where these conversations might not be necessary. As Kailen said, "Ideally, this isn't a conversation that we have... when you're going through those phases of your life where you start to romantically connect with people, you just are open and don't have to say, 'Well, I have to tell you something.'"

Video

If you'd like to watch our full conversation rather than read the highlights, click here to watch it on YouTube.

Or watch the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mpnnH_YREE&t=18s

Athlete to Athlete: An Open Conversation Between Kailen Sheridan and Collin Martin

Conclusion

This conversation reinforced for me why visibility and honest dialogue are so crucial in sports.

As I shared with Kailen, one of the most meaningful moments in my career came after I came out on Pride Night, when a teenager told me they found the courage to come out to their mother after seeing my statement. "And that's a big part of that journey," Kailen responded. "That is a very big step. And you gave him courage."

These are the reasons we continue to share our stories and advocate for acceptance. It's not about any "special moment" but about creating space for others to live authentically too.

Transcript

Video

Watch my interview with ESPN FC. Or watch it on Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7UjLE-egYc

Transcript

​​UCL: What's up, man?

Collin Martin: What's up?

UCL: Thanks for coming.

Collin Martin: Nice to meet you. Appreciate you.

UCL: Yeah.

Collin Martin: Awesome.

UCL: Thanks, Jesse. So I want to. I want to talk to you about a couple of things today. Sport inclusivity, American soccer, what we're doing. Right. But I think also, more importantly, the areas that we can get better in terms of LGBTQ inclusivity. You said you knew very early in your life that you wanted to be a soccer player, but that you felt at the time like to achieve that dream, you might have to leave a part of you behind, and that it took you a while to get to the point where you felt like there's no shame in being a gay male athlete. Right. And you wanted to normalize it as best you could so that other kids who are coming up don't necessarily have to go through that same experience or not the same intensity of that experience, maybe, that you went through. How do you feel that normalization process is going?

Collin Martin: Growing up, I didn't see many gay athletes like myself, so it took me a while to accept myself in different facets of my life. But one of the places where I didn't really see much representation was in sports. And so I basically, like you said, I wasn't going to let anything get in my way of achieving my goals, which were to be a professional soccer player. Initially, when I was starting coming out and having my sexuality, figuring that out in general was going to be far out of my mind. I think once I realized how hard that those obstacles were for me early on in my career and how other people that were in my place weren't having to deal with this, like, this whole other component of growing up and maturing. And I think that if I could make that process easier or speed that up for people, it would only be right, because in general, I had a pretty good, easy experience. But there still is that growth that just straight athletes don't have to go through.

​​UCL: How are we doing, do you think, at making our sport and our game as inclusive as possible for kids who are in that extremely formative time of their lives, figuring things out and creating safe spaces for them?

Collin Martin: Yeah, I mean, it's tough to say. I mean, for my own journey, I was in youth soccer. I played at the D.C. united Academy. I had my unique experiences with maybe coaches that were. Maybe didn't use the right language at times, teammates that I loved, but used tough language. And then I went to college at Wake, and I had an amazing experience, but that wasn't easy for me either. It was honestly really refreshing Going into a professional locker room because, like, yeah, guys didn't talk about, like. Like, women like they did in college, or, like, there was a little bit more respect for your personal space after every weekend. I'm not asked, like, what girl did I hook up with? You know, so I've talked about in the past how much coaches have a responsibility, especially at the youth level, to make, like, make it more inclusive, and.

UCL: Is a big part of that. You mentioned it, but the language, being extremely careful about your word selection in order to make that environment feel safe and inclusive.

Collin Martin: Yeah. One of our teammates last year, he was kind of giving one of the young guys a hard time asking about girls. And I was like, hey, what if he. What if he didn't like girls? You know, like, you're making him pretty uncomfortable, whether you're asking him things that he doesn't want to answer in the first place, but if you're going to ask him that, be open to the fact that maybe he's not just interested in girls.

UCL: That's amazing.

Collin Martin: So just little things for us to think about.

UCL: Yeah. What did he say?

Collin Martin: My teammate, he really appreciated it. It really made him think, you know, and so. And I think that's what's cool. Cause all you need to do is give someone a different idea or a different way to think, and from there, they'll either, like, address it and think about it in a different way, or they'll still be maybe stuck in their ways, but you just gotta give them the chance to do better. Not a lot of my teammates have had gay friends. Like, they maybe haven't felt comfortable enough to ask a question that they. They maybe were naive about or didn't know about, you know, so, like, within those conversations and, like, as long as they're respectful, like, that's where, like, the real growth is.

UCL: What does it mean to you, the idea of allyship, and what do you think the primary barriers are that are preventing people from being better allies?

Collin Martin: Mm. It's about standing up for something that doesn't personally affect you. For me, that's what allyship is. Whether you want to stand up in terms of financially, whether you want to stand up and build awareness, there's different ways you can do it. Right? I mean, you can give your money, you can give your time, you can give education to the next person so that they have the right tools to help support someone in the community. And that's what it looks like to me. Pick one thing that you're passionate about and you can care about. Like, we can't do it all. We can't pledge our time and energy to a hundred different things and try to make like legitimate positive change, you know, so if there's like one area in the community that you really care about, like, we're Talking about this 365 days of pride now with the usl: that's moving towards more of like actual substantial, like work that's going to be done on a day to day basis, like with an actual goal. It sort of feels like a checkmark when you post about something or I'm like so inundated with links and stuff that I just gloss over it and I feel like I'm almost numb to the different causes at times. And so that's why I think in order to actually be a really good athlete, just pick one thing.

UCL: Seriousl:y, what are clubs doing? Well, and sort of similar to what we talked about before, where can teams even get a little bit better in terms of, of overall inclusivity? Practices within their, within their walls.

Collin Martin: Yeah. At Minnesota, I loved how that they had a gay fan club. That was sweet to me. I mean, to be able to have a Pride game but actually see like the LGBTQ community in the stands, like, it's different, you know. And for me, when I came out at the Pride game, it very much was like a celebration with those people, you know, for them to know that they had like a person like them that was playing on the field and like that was like what was really special to me. D.C. there was, there was a lot of gay fans, so that was nice. And in San Diego too, we're building, we're building that here and I think it's only good for them, like when we can get this, these stadiums full again. Like there are going to be a lot of fans out there that are going to be wanting to come to games and because they feel they like that they belong here and that they'll be supported and that they can come watch their team.

UCL: It seems like you have some really good people around you here in Landon and Warren and Andrew. People who care about you and who want to do the right thing.

Collin Martin: When I knew my time at Minnesota was ending and I had a good idea that I wanted to be in the usl:, to really grow as a player, I was smart with where I wanted to go, you know, Like, I thought that this would be a great place and wow, I was proven right. And not only, yeah, is it a good place for me playing wise, but like, yeah, the support I've had. And to be honest, at the beginning I wasn't made to feel different than anyone else on the team. And that's what you want, right? But you also want to be able to have real conversations with your coaches in the front office and be able to feel comfortable expressing yourself if you want to. And that's how I felt. And so it's been really a seamless transition and yeah, obviousl:y feel really supported by the guys on the team and I've been lucky.

UCL: How's it been from a strictly soccer standpoint? How's your game right now?

Collin Martin: It's great. Yeah. I'm so happy. Yeah. I can't remember being happier, really. And last year was so much fun. Towards the end of the year, we really were.

UCL: You were flying.

Collin Martin: Yeah, we were playing really well. We were just enjoying ourselves, I think going through that rough patch, like when we weren't scoring and when we lost a couple games and being able to push towards playoffs and have something to look forward to, I just haven't had that, you know, and to feel like an important member of the team, like, I've been missing that. You know, like, you can show up to work and enjoy yourself and be, like, grateful that you get to play soccer every day, but, like, if you don't feel like a part of the team, like, it can really suck.

UCL: I wonder, you know, just from your chair, is there anything that we can do better? Is there anything that usl: can do better?

Collin Martin: Obviousl:y we talked about pride matches. I think they're important. I think we can expand on them league wide. I don't know how much you would have to, like, push a certain narrative necessarily. I think, like, that's where, like, the teams can kind of explore different ways that they can really, like, engage their fans and. And make that night or that time a special time for those fans. But. And then I think that the last thing would be if an incident happens as a league, making sure that it's properly dealt with. And I think with the incident that happened, I think the league did a good job of addressing it, taking it very seriousl:y and making sure that people understand that this. If there are going to be issues that whether it's with fans or players or coaches, there's going to be things that are going to happen. And as long as they're properly reprimanded, that's all you could ask for. Our league is unique, that it's a younger league. I don't know if I'm right. Do you know what the age, the average age is compared to the MLS or just like, it would be younger? It would be younger.

UCL: I don't know the specific age.

Collin Martin: I feel like there's a lot of education that can be done there. Like if like we have some younger guys in this league, like probably more than the average league maybe. And I feel like there's some real education that can be done there. I know it's never fun like having those like meetings, but I think like in preseason like we should be having a little bit more like the league can enact like maybe some proper like education that like. And I think it'd be good for everyone involved just to maybe think about something that they haven't thought about or get some education about just simple HR stuff that maybe players don't have to think about. But then on the organizational level, yeah, I think you're right. It's a challenge though. Some clubs are going to be better at others. And what do you do in that case? And what right does the league have to say to a team that their front office or their coaches aren't doing something that they want or they're not being as inclusive as. It's a hard balance. But I think you can make sure that maybe that the right education is in place and so, and if it's clear that it's not, then you can ask for someone to be, to take the right steps, to maybe work on that.

UCL: I think that makes all the sense in the world. One of the things that we're trying to solve for is it's one thing to sit down for a 30 minute session once a year.

Collin Martin: Yeah, right.

UCL: And like preventing it going in one ear and out the other and you return back to the status quo and whether or not the lessons learned along the way carry with you is hard. It's hard to ensure. Right. So we're, I think we're just trying to. And I think every organization, not just usl:, it's every sports organization on the planet is trying to figure out how to, just how to be better.

Collin Martin: Right.

UCL: It seems from the outside looking in that the women's game is light years ahead of the men's game in terms of its overall inclusiveness. Why do you think that is?

Collin Martin: There's the domino effect of once a couple players have come out and been supported by their teams, then it gives the, it makes it easier for the next and then it's kind of cool because then you see, I mean there's, there's such good representation at that level that you see that now the women have, they're able to do it at their own level too. Like not everyone has to be the poster child and be the out person and be. You can have a person that maybe doesn't have to do the social aspect of it or come out publicly, you know, but because they're just accepted by their teammates and they've already had a couple people do that, pick up the burden. But on the men's side, that's just not the case, you know, So I think we're going to have to have a couple more people come out publicly before you can have a guy on the team that's just, yeah, I'm out and that's cool, and I'm supported by my teammates, but I don't need to do anything beyond that, you know, and ideally we wouldn't have to. Ideally, no one would have to speak out or make a big public situation about it. But I just think in the women's game, they've had those people come out, so they're just like, they're so much further ahead in terms of it not being a big deal. But until we have a couple more people come out, especially at that level and in other sports, too, right? Like, hey, we could have a couple soccer players, but have a ton of different basketball players, football players, and then, okay, if a soccer player comes out, who cares?

UCL: If I was to ask you, why do you think more gay male. Or why more male athletes who are gay have not come out?

Collin Martin: Yeah, I think it's harder to.

UCL: It's just harder.

Collin Martin: Yeah, it's harder to be open with your teammates and facing being insecure about what they might think or what they might say, or not being comfortable enough with yourself because you haven't been able to come out to your own friends, let alone your teammates. There's plenty of people that can't even come out to their own friends. I think now our younger generation is way beyond where even I was, and I'm only 26 with being able to come out at an earlier age. So they're coming out at 12, 13, 14, 15, and being supported by their friends. Hopefully, if they're playing sports, they're going to be able to come out to their teammates then, too. And then there's just a natural progression of, okay, if they end up being a professional, then they're already out. They won't even have to worry about it. Whereas I, when I first became a pro, I hadn't come out to anybody. So that's a lot of work you have to do outside of the sport you're trying to play, you know, in terms of accepting yourself coming out Having your friends support you, your family support you, then you have your teammates. So it's a lot. There's a lot of levels that you have to get there. So it doesn't surprise me why there's people that come out after they're done playing or. And because they're focusing on other things. I think what was unique when I left dc, I told a couple teammates, but I felt like I had been living a lie still. So when I got traded to Minnesota, I used it as an opportunity to just completely write a new chapter and not lie. So the first opportunity I got at preseason, when a teammate asked if I was dating a girl or something, I just came out to a bunch of my teammates at dinner and said, no, I'm gay. All I needed to do was that one time, because then I just. I didn't lie. I'm very much, like, a proponent of, like, to just, like, give the people that are around you, like, a chance to, like, just receive you for who you are, you know, and deal with other stuff after. Like, you're gonna get. We learn quickly as athletes. You're gonna have people that say things about you that you don't agree with or that are gonna be super negative about you for no reason. And I think when you learn that, that that's always going to be the case. That's the healthiest thing to learn. But you live and you learn.

UCL: So you live and you learn. Well, it's brought you to San Diego, California, which is, like, one of the most beautiful places on the planet, surrounded by good people, still playing the sport you love, still doing an ambassador for the LGBTQ community, all at the age of 26. That's pretty impressive.

Collin Martin: Yeah, no, it's good. It's good. Yeah. I try to just remind myself that I'm still doing this in the long off season, in and around my club a little bit and training some kids and just, like, having that full circle, being like, I'm still playing and doing this thing, and all these little kids maybe would one day want to do this. It's pretty cool to remind yourself that.

UCL: Last question for you is, what would your message be to a young, aspiring footballer who might stumble across this interview one day and be trying to break into the sport and be trying to become the kind of player you are today? What would you tell them?

Collin Martin: Yeah, your sexuality should never limit you from playing the sport you love. And, yeah, don't let anything get in the way of you pursuing your dreams of playing soccer. And it's a sport for everybody. And, yeah, like, you're gonna meet some amazing people in the game. And please, yeah, play it and fall in love with it, because it's the best sport.

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