The handball professional comes out as gay

“I am homosexual. Three words that in reality should be easy to say, but which for many years I have been afraid to be open about,” wrote Villad’s Raahauge Jensen, in his Instagram post. It was there that he chose to come out with his sexuality – a decision that was both nerve-wracking and liberating.

Villads, who is 28 years old, says that his family and closest friends have always known, but that in sports it was different.

– It has been a secret since I started playing handball as a ten-year-old. In the changing rooms, I often felt left out, especially when the conversations were about girls. I couldn’t be 100 percent myself, he says.

Support from teammates was crucial

Coming out to the teammates in Lugi was a big step, but the support from them was an unexpected relief.

– I was most worried about how they would look at me afterwards, because we are like a family. But nothing has changed. They look at me just like they always have, and that means everything to me.

Villads emphasizes that the younger generation is more open and accepting, something that gives him hope for the future.

– The young players in the team are fantastic. I think they have fewer prejudices than previous generations, he says.

Want to be a role model for other athletes

For Villads, it is not only about his own freedom, but also about inspiring others. But he also believes that it was a shame that he did not “come out” sooner.

– I hope that young people who may be unsure of themselves can see me and understand that it’s okay. I want them to know that you can be yourself and still play sports at the highest level.

He describes how important it is to create role models in sport

– Handball is still a macho sport. It is rare that someone dares to break the norm, and without role models it becomes even more difficult. I hope my decision can open doors for others.

“I wasn’t ready until now”

The decision to come out came after several years of consideration.

– When I was younger, I wasn’t ready to take this step. I didn’t know how to handle the reactions from the outside world. But now I feel confident in who I am and strong enough to talk about it, he explains.

The response after his Instagram post has been huge.

– It has been completely crazy. I have received so much love and support from all possible quarters. I am so glad I dared to take this step, although I wish I had done it sooner.