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“We open the Sunday of Pride Week at 7:30 a.m.,” explained Rich Illgen, owner of the bar. While unassuming and small, R&R Bar proudly serves the LGBTQ community and is going to be participating in Pride again this year. Nestled snugly on Colfax, R&R Bar was a cozy and becoming hole-in-the-wall before dive bars and the grimy charm of Colfax were hip. With its mythical two-step lessons early in the evening, go-go boys, cheap sloshy beer, and an entire room for its frequent drag shows, this staple of the Denver gay scene has something for everyone.ĭenver’s oldest gay bar, R&R Bar is a Denver staple. Just a few blocks down on Colfax sits one of Denver’s most popular dance bars, Charlie’s. People flock to the bar to dance and get down or just to drink and relax, and many in the LGBTQ community have made it their regular hangout. The bar boasts nightly specials and drink deals, as well as two dance floors for the weekends and a large patio section. We have a very special float this year, so we are looking forward to the parade on June 18.” “We also give them away and have the biggest pink flamingo around on our float. “X Bar is well known for the pink flamingos during pride, and they are everywhere,” explained Cindy Alix, general manager at X Bar. Known for its inclusivity towards both the queer and straight communities, X Bar has been around for seven years and has been an important staple of Denver for just as long. (This story first ran in 2019 and is updated when new players come out).X Bar is a staple for Denver LGBTQ folks. In June, Carl Nassib of the Raiders came out as gay. The star of “The Bachelor” said he has been struggling with his sexuality his whole life. In April, Colton Underwood came out publicly. Jenkins is gay and this was the the first time he widely discussed his sexual orientation. In October, Martin Jenkins, a former defensive back for the Seattle Seahawks, was nominated to the California Supreme Court. Also on the Cowboys practice squad.Ĭolton Underwood (2014-20): Tight end had preseason or practice squad stints with the Chargers, Eagles and Raiders. Michael Sam (2014): Defensive end with the Rams. Martin Jenkins (1977): Defensive back with the Seahawks.īrad Thorson (2011): Offensive lineman with the Cardinals. Wade Davis (2000-03): Wide receiver with the Titans, Seahawks and Redskins.ĭorien Bryant (2008): Wide receiver with the Steelers. Identifies as bisexual.Ĭarl Nassib (2016-present): Defensive lineman with the Browns, Buccaneers and Raiders. Ryan Russell (2015-17, spent 2018 in Bills camp): Defensive lineman with the Buccaneers and Cowboys. Ryan O’Callaghan (2006-11): Offensive lineman with the Patriots and Chiefs.
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Kwame Harris (2003-08): Offensive lineman with the 49ers and Raiders. Jeff Rohrer (1982-89): Linebacker with the Dallas Cowboys.Įsera Tuaolo (1991-99: Defensive tackle with the Packers, Vikings, Jaguars, Falcons and Panthers. Roy Simmons (1979-83): Offensive lineman with the Giants and Redskins. The NFL Network produced a documentary on Smith being gay. Jerry Smith (1965-77): Tight end with the Redskins. Denver Post via Getty Images Played in a regular season gameĭave Kopay (1964-72): Running back with the 49ers, Lions, Redskins, Saints, and Packers. Here is the list of football players in the NFL who have come out: Dave Kopay, shown in 1977, played for nine seasons in the NFL. “There’s a few of us that paved the way and it makes me incredibly happy,” Kopay said about Nassib playing in the regular season.ĭespite their small numbers, these 16 are trailblazers and have inspired many LGBTQ people in sports and every walk of life, so they are to be applauded. Dave Kopay was the first player to come out, in 1975, three years after retiring after a nine-year career. Over the years, Outsports has known of a few other players who are gay but have never come out, even when retired. To only have 16 out players among the thousands who have been on preseason, practice squad or regular season NFL rosters (23,000 and counting in a survey done in 2014) is barely a blip and shows the stigma that still surrounds people who play football. 16 and the first one to come out as gay while on an active roster.
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The NFL has played for more than 100 years and there have been 16 gay or bi players to come out publicly.Īs the 2021 NFL season kicks off, Carl Nassib of the Las Vegas Raiders is No.