Thomas: I Hated Living a Lie

Shortly after the announcement that Mickey Rourke is ushering along a film based on his life, openly gay rugby player Gareth Thomas hopped across the pond from Wales to guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, record a message for the It Gets Better campaign, and between media appearances, ring in the New Year in San Francisco.

Below, in a two-part interview with The Advocate, Thomas touches on several topics, including what it's like to represent one's country, being a gay athlete — from local softball league to the pros — and his feelings on Mickey Rourke, 22 years his senior, playing him in a sports epic.