Tennis star Daria Kasatkina has come out as gay in an emotional interview as she spoke out on the difficulties of being gay in her home country.
The Russian was speaking to blogger Vitya Kravchenko in a YouTube video where she publicly spoke about her sexuality for the very first time. When the world number 12 was asked if she was in a relationship, Kasatkina revealed she has a girlfriend.
"Yes, [I currently have a girlfriend]," she revealed. Kasatkina, who is currently the top-ranked Russian female player, suggested she felt relieved and at peace after coming out. "Living in the closet is impossible,” she added. "Not for the long run, no. It is too hard. It is pointless, you will be completely focused on that until you choose to come out.
“Of course, it is up to you to decide how to do it and how much you tell," Kasatkina said. "Living in peace with yourself is the only thing that matters, and f--- everyone else." The 25-year-old then took to Twitter to post a snap with her partner and figure skater Natalia Zabiiako, an Olympic silver medallist.
She posted the loved-up snap with a heart emoji and called the Russian-Estonian "my cutie pie”. Kasatkina added she was inspired to come out after the Russian footballer Nadya Karpova revealed she was gay last month.
“Not only did Nadya help herself by coming out and get this burden off her chest, she has also helped others,” she added. “I believe it is important that influential people from sports, or any other sphere really, speak about it,” Kasatkina added.
“It is important for young people who have a hard time with society and need support.” In 2013, Russia banned the discussion and "promotion of non-traditional sexual relations" to minors and has restricted LGBT+ advocacy or protest in public.
The Russian parliament is seeking to broaden the legislation to cover the promotion of LGBT+ relationships in a positive or neutral light and on showing content in cinemas.
"I believe it is important that influential people from sports, or any other sphere really speak about it,” the French Open semi-finalist continued. "It is important for young people who have a hard time with society and need support."
Kasatkina lives and trains in Spain, where the interview was filmed and she also called for an end to fighting in Ukraine. Due to Russia’s views on the LGBT+ community, she is worried she may be unable to return to the country and began to sob in the emotional interview.
