Andrzej Stękała, Polish ski jumper, coming out through
a moving tribute to his partner of eight years, Damian, who passed away in
November.:
"I wondered for a long time if I would ever find the
strength to write these words. For years, I lived in the shadow of fear, in
hiding, afraid that who I really am could destroy me. Today, however, I don't
want to run away anymore. I want you to really know me. I'm gay. For years, I
hid it from the world—from you, from the media, and sometimes even from myself.
[But Damian] changed my life. He was my mainstay, support, my biggest
supporter. Together we shared life, passions, joys and difficult moments. He was
everything to me—my home, my heart. We made love in silence, hiding our love
from the world to protect what was most important to us. I can't describe the
pain that overwhelmed me [when Damian died.] The world we were building
together fell to pieces. Every day without him is a struggle, but at the same
time a reminder of how infinitely I loved and how much I was loved. I don't
want to hide who I am anymore. I am myself—a man who loved and still loves. And
I know that he would like me to continue to live in harmony with myself. Until
the end of my days, I will carry his name in my heart."
So sad he couldn’t be himself, and show himself to the
world, while his love was still alive.
But perhaps he will have a second chance.
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