In this episode of the Talking Stigma podcast Gareth Thomas is joined by former Rugby League player Keegan Hirst. Keegan shares his story and journey regarding his sexuality, what it was like being the first openly gay rugby league player and how his experiences have shaped who he is today. We hear about Keegan’s transition from his very successful sports career to being a prominent advocate for diversity and inclusion; since retiring, he has focused on using his platform to build awareness and drive change, inspiring others through his personal story and promoting inclusivity in all aspects of life. Gareth and Keegan discuss the similarities between their stories, their different experiences with stigma and the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity to overcome the challenges they have faced.