Former Major League Baseball pitcher TJ House has come out as gay - and in a heartwarming tribute, he's also confirmed that he's engaged!
Posting to Facebook on Thursday, the baseball star announced his love for Ryan Neitzel, emphasizing that his partner has "pulled him out of loneliness."
"Love," he started the lengthy post. It’s a simple word, one that carries much weight and meaning.
"Each of us defines love in a different way, but at the core we all just want to feel the same. To be loved by someone who only wants the best for you, walking the trials of life side by side. Some say we choose who we love as if love doesn't pop out of the darkest corner of your life, when you least expect it, and throws you into a magical spell that pulls you out of loneliness."
Check out the full post below:
The 33-year-old then went on to talk about the struggles of accepting who he truly is over the years.
"I’ve struggled my entire life with being comfortable in my own skin," he continued. "I have purposefully distanced myself from people for the sake of trying to protect myself. It’s disheartening how one simple thing can change an individual's opinion of you in a matter of seconds. It has taken me years to wake up every morning and tell myself that you are loved for you, the one that’s deep down inside that you’ve never truly let out.
"I’ve been loved my whole life for what I did as a career, and it carried me for the longest time. Eventually though, it’s a bandage that covers a wound that needs fresh air to heal. You have to rip it off at some point if you truly want to get better.
"Shame has kept me quiet all these years, but Love has finally set me free."
House then went on to admit that he used his career as a distraction from his personal life, stating that he "put all of his energy into it", and while he "loved every moment", he spent a lot of his time wishing he could "change" himself.
"Deep down I wanted something more, I wanted to be loved not for what I did, but who I was," he said.
But after seeing the change in attitudes towards same-sex couples - as well as meeting the love of his life - he quickly realized that he could be confident in accepting who he truly is.
"Today’s passage of the Respect for Marriage Act protects us to have the same rights and opportunities that each of you have. It protects the same benefits. It makes us equal to you. It allows Ryan Neitzel and I to come together and create something beautiful.
"It gives me the confidence to get engaged to the person I love (he said Yes!), to marry them. I have a wonderful fiance, who challenges me daily to become a better person. To live life authentically. One who I never deserved but blessed to have. Love you see, it's for everyone."
The MLB alum concluded the post by telling his fans that he was "healing" and "[growing] into the person I’ve been all along," adding that he now feels "loved."
In a matter of days, the heartwarming tribute gained thousands of likes online, as well as hundreds of comments wishing House and Neitzel luck in this new chapter of their lives.
"A beautiful declaration of love, independence & empowerment. Best wishes to the two of you," wrote one Facebook user.
"Love this. Love is unconditional and people should be too," added another.
As per the Daily Mail, House joins only a few other pro players who have come out publicly, including former Tigers, Dodgers, and Padres outfielder Billy Bean, as well as another former Dodgers outfielder, Glenn Burke.
Congratulations to the happy couple!
