Emma Watson Shows Support For First Openly Gay British Rugby League Star, Keegan Hirst

Emma Watson Supports First Openly Gay UK Rugby League Star
Emma Watson arrives for a dinner to celebrate the work of The Royal Marsden hosted by the Duke of Cambridge at Windsor Castle.
Chris Jackson/PA Archive
Emma Watson arrives for a dinner to celebrate the work of The Royal Marsden hosted by the Duke of Cambridge at Windsor Castle.

In her role as a UN Goodwill Ambassador, Emma Watson has spoken about the need to break down gender stereotypes.

Now, the actress has tweeted her support for Batley Bulldogs captain Keegan Hirst, who became the first British rugby league player to come out as gay earlier this week.

In a series of tweets about courage, she said Hirst is an example of both physical and moral strength.

As a gay man playing a stereotypically "macho" sport, Hirst has said he wishes to help "break down stereotypes" about what it means to be a man, by speaking openly about his sexuality.

In an interview on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show on Monday, he added: "I don’t want to go on some kind of crusade, but I hope to pave the way for others to come out and feel comfortable in their own skin, and by doing this, hopefully make others feel better about being open about who they are."

In response to Watson's messages of support, the rugby star said it was "surreal" to gain a follow from her, as well as Stephen Fry.

Then, Hirst proved once more what a great guy he is by tweeting his support for the #HeForShe campaign to end gender inequality.

Good work all round.

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