Veteran ESPN reporter comes out as trans: ‘At some point, you realise happiness is worth pursuing’
MA Voepel, a longtime women’s basketball reporter for ESPN, wanted to receive a prestigious award as his “authentic self”. (Twitter/@MAVoepel)
ESPN basketball reporter has bravely come out as trans after realising his happiness was “worth pursuing”.
Voepel decided to come out ahead of receiving the Naismith Hall of Fame’s Curt Gowdy Media Award in September. The prestigious gong is given to members of the media whose efforts make a significant contribution to basketball.
Voepel shared on Twitter on Tuesday (9 August) that he wanted to receive the “great” honour as his “authentic self”.
He said reporters in sports media are “lucky to tell stories of others’ journeys”, and that he wanted to share new aspects of his own journey like his pronouns and name.
“Fear can keep us paralysed for decades, especially when we think we will lose all that is dear to us, including career…,” he said.
“At some point, you realize you need to have faith that your happiness/well-being is worth pursuing, and also have faith in other people’s kindness and grace.”
At some point, you realize you need to have faith that your happiness/well-being is worth pursuing, and also have faith in other people's kindness and grace. Grateful for a company that supports all of its employees, for terrific family and friends, and for societal progress …
— Michael Voepel (@MAVoepel) August 9, 2022
MA Voepel added he was grateful for a “terrific family and friends”, “societal progress” and to work for a company that “supports all its employees”. He joined ESPN in 1996 and has dedicated his prolific career to telling the stories of women’s basketball.
Several personalities, organisations and teams from across the sporting world congratulated Voepel for his bravery.
Congrats MV sending all of our best ?
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 9, 2022
Congratulations to you, Voepel. Sending you well wishes and support.
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 9, 2022
Proud to be teammates with you, Voepel!
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) August 9, 2022
Could not be more proud or happier for my dear friend. https://t.co/TcIh8AQTMY
— Joe Posnanski (@JPosnanski) August 9, 2022
You are LOVED M.A. https://t.co/PgAPPpGaCA— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) August 9, 2022
Representation matters, on the field and off. We're sending our support and appreciation to sports reporter @MAVoepel today! https://t.co/GnKtQ49dcY— Athlete Ally (@AthleteAlly) August 10, 2022
According to ESPN, MA Voepel is the “foremost authority” on women’s basketball in both collegiate and professional ranks, and he has attended more than 20 consecutive Women’s Final Fours.
MA Voepel wrote that he “may look and sound a little different” now, but he is “glad to be who [he’s] always been on the inside”.
“Dedication to covering women’s sports, a lifelong joy as well as job, and admiration for all involved – players, coaches, execs, fans, referees, colleagues – that stays exactly the same,” he added.
