A football player at Virginia's Hampton University has come out publicly as gaya first for such an athlete at a historically Black college or university (HBCU), according to an NBC News item that cited Outsports.
Byron Perkins, a Division I defensive back for the Hampton University Pirates who hails from Chicago, came out as gay in an Instagram story.
"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," Perkins wrote.
While several Division I football players have come out as gay during their college careers, Perkins is the first to do so at one of the country's 101 HBCUs.
Perkins told Outsports that he'd like to help other gay Black men who are struggling with their sexuality.
Among those backing Perkins is out comedian Sampson McCormick, who stated, "We support you brother!"