Japanese volleyball player Rui Takahashi comes out as gay - GMA Network

Japanese volleyball player Rui Takahashi has come out as a gay.

The Suntory Sunbirds Osaka outside hitter took to Instagram on Tuesday to share his years-long struggle with self-acceptance.

“I've been afraid to face my own side since I was a child, and I've been troubled and denied myself. That means I'm gay and a member of the sexual minority,” he wrote.

According to the athlete, spending time with his younger brother Ran at the same time helped him to acknowledge himself for the first time.

“For about 2 years, I spent time on the same team as my younger brother, Ran Takahashi, and it was the biggest thing for me. It was through talking to Ran that I was able to acknowledge myself for the first time,” Rui wrote.

“By putting my feelings into words, I was able to organize my mind, and I gradually started to think that ‘being myself is fine.’” he added.

He then thanked Ran, his family and teammates who have supported him in his journey.

“I am truly grateful for all the support you have given me in various situations so far.”

As he welcomes this new season of his life, he vowed to continue his best in volleyball.

“As we welcome a new season, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my own words to all the fans who have always supported me. I will continue to do my best in volleyball and strive for personal growth in various situations,” Rui said.

Rui also hopes that his coming out story would create a “small trigger” for people who are struggling to accept themselves.

Ending his statement, Rui thanked his fans for supporting his volleyball journey.

“This is a sudden announcement, but thank you for reading until the end. I am truly grateful to all the fans and many others who have supported me. I would like to continue growing through volleyball in my own way, just like Takahashi Rui.”

Rui is the elder brother of Japanese volleyball star Ran Takahashi.