High School Coach: 'Those of Us Who Are Gay Need to Stand Up and Own it.'

Nevada varsity football coach Shane Wickes challenged others to come out in a moving TEDx Talk.

Dawn Ennis

The Advocate's news editor Dawn Ennis successfully transitioned from broadcast journalism to online media following another transition that made headlines; in 2013, she became the first trans staffer in any major TV network newsroom. As the first out transgender editor at The Advocate, the native New Yorker continues her 30-year media career, in which she has earned more than a dozen awards, including two Emmys. With the blessing of her three children, Dawn retains the most important job title she's ever held: Dad.

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Dawn Ennis

February 24 2016 8:01 AM EST

February 24 2016 10:45 PM EST

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Shane Wickes is a varsity offensive line coach for the McQueen High School football team in Reno, Nev. As Outsports reported, he recently revealed to the world a secret that he said had caused him enormous conflict his entire life.

"My truth is this. I am a former college football player. I am a current high school football coach, and I am gay," said Wickes in a TEDx talk at the Univ. of Nevada-Reno this month.

Wickes spoke openly about his bouts with depression and a suicide attempt. He said he decided he needed to come out for the sake of the kids who might be gay around him.

"Sharing our truth is the only way we can have the impact we want to have," Wickes said in his talk, which is posted on the TEDx Talks YouTube channel. "One day being gay in football will be normal. But in order for that to happen, those of us who are gay need to stand up and own it."

PinkNews reported he finally realized what he needed to do while attending a coaching clinic.

"I battled with this truth for a long time, personally, professionally and certainly in my coaching and athletic career,"said Wickes in the talk.