Dear Michael Sam,

I wanted to take the time to thank you for your strength and courage. You dedicated your life to the sport you love and despite the known culture, you chose to honor yourself despite certain pervasive opinions.

Your sexuality should not matter. What matters is that you were the defensive player of the year in the college league and that honor speaks for itself. Your talent and ability is known around the nation.

Your declaration defied and dispelled many stereotypes and began the process of changing hearts and opening minds. You were the first of your kind to speak up and speak out and you did so eloquently and bravely.

When you were drafted to the Rams, my heart exploded for you and my faith in your sporting institution was somewhat revived. You public display of affection, though widely debated and denounced, showed the nation that it was just that: a public display of love. Not an act of violence or abuse, but rather an intimate moment between you and the one you love.

I thank you for bearing the burden of having your private life being the topic of conversation despite all the talent that you possess. I thank you for speaking your truth and becoming a role model for those to aspire and look up to. I thank you for not giving up and for challenging entrenched mentalities and beliefs.

Thank you for all that you have done and for being who you are.

Mia