Russia’s top-ranked female Tennis player Daria Kasatkina came out as gay in a recent video interview posted online. She revealed that she is in a relationship with a woman and that she found living in the closet to be impossible.

The world number 12 shared pictures with her girlfriend, figure skater Natalia Zabiiako, on Instagram and also criticized Russia for their attitude towards homosexuality and restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights in the country. “So many subjects are taboo in Russia. This notion of someone wanting to be gay or becoming (gay) is ridiculous. I think there is nothing easier in this world than being straight,” Kasatkina was quoted as saying.

“Seriously, if there is a choice, no one would choose being gay. Why make your life harder, especially in Russia? What’s the point?” the 25-year-old French Open semi-finalist asked. Kasatkina further mentioned that she felt it was important for for influential people, especially, to speak about it.

“I believe it is important that influential people from sports, or any other sphere really speak about it. It is important for young people who have a hard time with society and need support,” she added. Russia’s “gay propaganda” law, which was passed in 2013, has reportedly been used to stop gay pride marches and detain gay rights activists.
 

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