#41 - Keegan Hirst: Playing It Straight

Ringo and Ridgey sit down with Keegan Hirst—a man who’s tackled more than just opponents on the rugby field. Keegan made headlines in 2015 as the first British rugby league player to come out as gay while still playing professionally but his story is far deeper than a single headline. From growing up under the weight of rigid masculinity to living a double life, Keegan opens up about the long, painful road to self-acceptance and the toll internalised homophobia can take when silence feels safer than truth.

The lads dive into the tricky terrain of masculinity, mental health and male vulnerability—spoiler: real men do cry, and Keegan’s proof that it takes guts to be honest. He shares how language, peer pressure and fear of judgment kept him from living authentically for years. We talk about the ripple effects of coming out, from strained family dynamics to the liberating moment of finally being able to exhale. Keegan also gets into his work as a coach for gay men, helping others navigate the same fears he once faced and why teaching kids about acceptance and emotional intelligence is as important as teaching them to tie their shoes.

From the locker room to late-night self-reflection, Keegan’s story is a powerful reminder that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s freedom. Whether you’ve faced your own identity battles or just want to understand the inner world of someone who has, this one hits deep. We talk shame, survival and the courage it takes to live in your truth—plus why "straight-acting" is a term best left in the bin. It’s honest, raw, and proof that breaking the mould isn’t easy—but it’s worth it.

Links to Keegan's socials and business:

Instagram: @keeganhirst

https://www.instagram.com/keeganhirst/

https://gaymanscoaching.com/