Subscribe nowLast week, Joo Lucas Reis da Silva became the first openly gay male athlete to compete in one of tenniss four Grand Slam tournaments when he played at the U.S. Open qualifying event in New York City. While the 25-year-old Brazilian lost the match, the moment represented a breakthrough in mens tennis, a sport where openly gay men have been nonexistent at the highest level.That lack of representation in mens sports is an epidemic that Uncloseted documented in an investigation earlier this summer. Today, there are zero active openly gay or bisexual players in the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS and PGA.The United States Tennis Association, to its credit, has been a leader in the space. Theyve held numerous events celebrating LGBTQ people, and the associations president, Brian Vahaly, is openly gay and has said as recently as last week that he want[s] people to know and see that this is a safe place for them.Despite this, there are still so many push factors discouraging boys from trying to go all the way in pro sports. I remember when I made the Canadian Under-14 Nationals in tennis, where I was invited to compete alongside the 63 other top young boys in the country. It was a massive accomplishment. But as a closeted tween, I worried about bro culture, homophobia from my provincial teammates, and other microaggressions that are so insidious in boys sports that its hard to describe them in words (but IYKYK).In part because of these fears, I declined the offer to participate in nationals (which is very uncommon) and never qualified for the prestigious tournament again.To neutralize the factors driving gay boys away, leagues and associations should implement pull factors beyond just pride nights.One way Grand Slam tennis could do this is by giving Reis da Silva a wild card entry, which is a special invitation to play in the main draw for players who dont meet the ranking requirements. Wild cards may be given for a variety of reasons, including past performance (which is in part why Venus Williams was granted a wild card to this year's U.S. Open despite being ranked outside the top 600), collegiate success, or because their name would bring buzz to the tournament.Giving Reis da Silva a wild card would be a meaningful step in signaling to young players around the world that the ATP Tour doesnt just support the LGBTQ community, but they want queer players on center stage. And with one in five Gen Z adults now identifying as LGBTQ, this representation would benefit the tour. I truly believe the buzz surrounding a gay player in the main draw would be real andfor the most partpositive.I hope Reis da Silva will soar in the rankings over the next year. But if he isnt able to qualify, one of the Big Four tournaments should raise their hand ASAP and make history as the first Grand Slam that features an openly gay man in the main draw.Subscribe for LGBTQ-focused, accountability journalism.Subscribe nowSpecial thanks to Ben Land, who sent over the idea for this weeks newsletter :). 187 congressional Dems ask Supreme Court to protect bans against cruel conversion therapy (LGBTQ Nation)A Christian counselor says the bans violate her free speech. That's bunk, the Democrats say.Snoop Dogg Criticizes LGBTQ Representation in Kids' Movies: 'We Have to Show That at This Age?' (Complex)Snoop said his grandson had questions about the same-sex relationship in 'Lightyear' that "threw [him] for a loop."This iconic queer term has officially been added to the Cambridge Dictionary (LGBTQ Nation)The queer slang term, Lewk, has officially been added to the Cambridge Dictionary, which defines it as a particular style, fashion, or outfit especially one that is unusual and impressive.Dad accused of killing daughter because she was getting bullied, allegedly wrapped her in pride flag to 'honor' her (People Magazine)Hope "Onyx" Cornish was found dead by police after they were alerted by her teen brotherTexas constable tells legislators Were not interested in being the potty police at bathroom bill hearing (The Advocate)The father of a transgender child said that in nine years of working near a court bathroom, he has gotten zero complaints about people using it.Over the next week, be on the lookout for new Uncloseted reporting: When parents of LGBTQ kids turn to Google for answers, what do they find? A new Uncloseted Media investigation reveals that the worlds most trusted search engine is regularly pointing vulnerable families to far-right religious organizationssome that promote conversion therapy and label queerness a sin. In a time when nearly 40% of LGBTQ youth have seriously considered suicide, why is Google upranking hate? Candace Owens went from mocking Trump and the Tea Party to becoming one of the most extreme voices on the American right. Over the years, attacked LGBTQ people and spread antisemitic conspiracies. Now facing a defamation lawsuit from French President Emmanuel Macron, Owens long trail of hate is catching up with her. Look out for her full track record next Tuesday. Thanks for reading! Feel free to email me with questions, complaints and story ideas! Spencer Macnaughton, Editor-In-Chief spencer@unclosetedmedia.comIf objective, nonpartisan, rigorous, LGBTQ-focused journalism is important to you, please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our fiscal sponsor, Resource Impact, by clicking this button:Donate to Uncloseted Media