Zander Murray has become the first active Scottish footballer to come out as gay.
The 30-year-old striker is currently on the books at Lowland League outfit Gala Fairydean Rovers. He is the first openly gay footballer in the men's professional game in Scotland since Justin Fashanu played for Airdrie and Hearts in the nineties.
"Firstly it feels like the weight of the world is now off my shoulders" Murray told Gala Fairydean Rovers' website. "The reason I have decided to this now is twofold firstly I was on holiday recently at a pride event and I have always been that closeted never to go to these things but I loved it.
"The vibe was brilliant and everyone was just being free and happy and it was great to just be me. I also want to help other players who are struggling with this as it isn't easy for men, especially footballers to deal with."
Murray has admitted that he refused to be tagged on social media posts to conceal his sexuality. He added: "Then I thought to myself 'what am I doing' this is playing havoc with my life. So at that moment I thought enough is enough. I put a post on my social media telling folk I was gay. I didn't need to sit the boys down in the changing room and tell them."
Murray has come out as gay four months after Blackpool forward Jake Daniels became the first openly gay active footballer in England. Scottish referees Craig Napier and Lloyd Wilson also came out as gay in June.
Murray noted: "The lads at the club have been so supportive. I have a really strong bond with everyone at the club and I have been blown away by the support. Before coming out you think people will turn against you and you think the worst.
"It's been lovely how much support I have had. I have done lots of research and I always keep an eye on media outlets to see if there are any platforms for young gay male footballers for support but there are none.
"I would really like to look into and see what support can be given to other players to inspire them. In recent years Jake Daniels has come out and then Craig Napier and Lloyd Wilson who are both referees have done the same.
"Of course there are gay footballers in our game and I have had lots of players get in touch saying they have read my post and they can't believe how strong I am by doing this."
Murray is hoping the Scottish Football Association can offer more support to male footballers who want to come out as gay. "It can be difficult and you can feel very alone," continued Murray. "I knew I was different for many years but with other people in the game coming out it's been amazing.
"Hopefully the SFA can work with other leagues and partners and look at support and drive how we help other players. That support is greatly needed in the men's game. Women's football is another ball game. They are completely diverse and open and this is something the men's game should aspire to be."
