Two Irish football stars have opened up about their relationship for the first time in the hope of helping others to come out.
Ireland players Katie McCabe, 23, and Ruesha Littlejohn, 28, have been an item for three years and proudly stepped out with the Pride rainbow colours at the Aviva Stadium today.
Arsenal player McCabe is one of the biggest names in Irish soccer and the youngest ever captain of the national team, but she didn't think twice about coming out to the public.
She said: “Growing up, my dream was to play football for Ireland. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to achieve this dream.
"One of my favourite things about sport is that it brings people together, it gives people a sense of belonging, and it fills them with great pride and passion.
"Seeing the Aviva Stadium, our national arena for rugby and soccer lighting up the Dublin skyline in rainbow colours is truly amazing.
"I’m hoping that the men, women, boys and girls throughout Ireland will see this Aviva rainbow as a sign that they belong to a bigger community, that they are not alone, that they can be themselves and that they can achieve their dreams, no matter what.”
Shaun McDonald, Chief People Officer, Aviva Ireland said: “Our support for Dublin Pride is close to all of our hearts.
"We’re delighted to share our message to be yourself and that it’s safe to dream.
"This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and the creation of Pride, so we’re thrilled to light up one of Ireland’s iconic landmarks to celebrate everything Pride stands for.”
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