Verity Smith is a trans gay man who is passionate about playing wheelchair rugby.
After first coming out as a lesbian in the 90s, Verity played women's rugby and was too afraid to come out as trans, as there were no policies in place for trans players in the game and he would have had to give up the sport he loved.
He did eventually come out and was faced with a barrage of transphobia and discrimination.
After a devastating injury incurred on the pitch, Verity ended up in a wheelchair, but found an incredible community in wheelchair rugby.
Verity's story is ultimately one of acceptance, self-discovery, and love. As well as a celebration of the resilience and strength embodied by the LGBTQ+ community.
Verity is Chief Diversity Officer for the World Barbarians and Trans Sport Inclusion Manager for the brilliant charity Mermaids
Presented by Emma Goswell
Produced by Sam Walker
We'd love to hear YOUR story. Please get in touch www.comingoutstoriespodcast.com or find us on twitter @ComeOutStories and on Instagram @ComingOutStoriesPod
We have a book! Coming Out Stories is available at all major shops now!
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Coming Out Stories is a What Goes On Media Production
From Silence to Advocacy A Trans Story of Resilience and Change
Jenny's Voyage of Authenticity: From Woking to Manchester via the Comedy Stage
Fostering Belonging: Anna DeShawn’s Journey Through Queer Identity and Media
Michael: From Summer Camp to Corporate Change, a journey of self-acceptance in the Big Apple.
Kirsty: Embracing Queerness on a Manchester Council Estate
Moe: Finding love, acceptance and dating as a trans, non-binary bisexual!
Blazing Trails: Arthur's Journey and the Formation of the World's First All-Trans Masculine Football Team
Living Out Loud: Annie Wallace on Pioneering Trans Visibility in Television
Gary: I felt jealous when my son came out to me. It took me 40 years to have the courage to do the same.
Braving the Past, Embracing the Future: Ann's Journey of Identity, Activism and Advocacy for other lesbian mothers.
The Power of Acceptance: Luma Mufleh's Struggle and Triumph
The Journey of a Happy, Holy Homosexual: Reverend Jide's Story
The Undying Spirit of Juno Roche: Conquering Adversity in the Trans World
Coming Out Stories: A New Season of Resilience, Hope, and Love from the LGBTQ+ Community
Kit: I never understood why all my friends were obsessed with boys! Then I came out, fell in love with women and lost my mind!
Valentino: My family simply didn't know how to raise a gay child
Dharma: The teacher told me to play with the other boys, but I knew I wasn't a boy. It was a secret I kept for a long time.
Clifford: My dad suggested conversion therapy and I let him sit with that idea, I was literally the first gay person he knew.
Special Episode: Queer We Are with Coming Out Stories' Emma Goswell and Sam Walker
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