Argentina Hockey Star Nicolas Keenan Opens Up on LGBTQ+ Identity in International Sports
In the intensely competitive and often challenging arena of international sports, coming out requires immense courage. Argentina midfielder Nicolas Keenan stands as one of the few openly gay players in men's hockey, navigating his identity while excelling at the highest level. The two-time Olympian publicly revealed his sexuality around 2023, coinciding with his relationship with Dutch politician Rob Jetten becoming public knowledge.
Navigating Loneliness and Finding Community Support
How does it feel to be part of the LGBTQ+ community as a hockey player, especially since not many players are open about it?
"Before saying it out loud, it felt a little bit lonely because, as you said, not many players were there that I could look up to," Keenan shared. "But when I started to explain my story, I began getting lots of messages from people in similar situations in hockey, other sports, and different walks of life. So, it felt that the community was really supportive and that I was not alone on my journey."
The Importance of Symbols and Superficial Gestures
Several players, including Nike Lorenz, Mats Grambusch, and Kaitlin Nobbs, have worn rainbow bands during matches to show solidarity. Keenan acknowledges their significance but calls for deeper action.
"I think symbols are important. I wish when I was growing up as a young hockey player, I had more of these around," he said. "But even now, as an experienced player, I feel there is a lot of work to be done. It's nice to see and visualise these symbols, but at the same time, they can feel quite superficial in some ways."
Criticism of International Hockey Federation's Lack of Support
When asked how international sports federations, particularly the FIH (International Hockey Federation), can better support the LGBTQ+ community, Keenan expressed disappointment.
"If you talk about FIH, I really don't know who FIH is. I wish I would have heard from them the moment my story came out, but I've never been reached," he revealed. "But other federations have reached out to me, and I think it's really important that federations in general try to create safe environments where people feel safe enough to be their true selves."
Positive Responses from Argentine and Dutch Federations
Keenan, who plays club hockey for HC Klein Zwitserland in the Netherlands, received supportive responses from both the Argentine and Dutch hockey federations.
"The president of the Argentinian federation was the minister that passed the law of equal marriage in Argentina. So, he was one of the first to text me," Keenan noted. "The Dutch federation has a special group that works on these kinds of issues. They always ask me how they can do better. But I tell them, don't put all the weight on your shoulders, because it's not just about the federation or the sport. There need to be changes in society. It's something deeper."
Inspiring Others and Embracing the Role Model Position
Reflecting on his ability to inspire others, Keenan admitted initial shyness but found motivation in the messages he received.
"At the beginning, I was shy. But after I started receiving messages from people saying, 'You made my day' or 'I can finally look up to someone', I spoke with my partner," he explained. "It was tricky at first because it made me sad to see so many people going through difficult situations. But after that conversation, I realised that if I can change someone's day, it also makes mine. It's not about becoming a figure or trying to reach a certain status. It's about that young kid who might not even notice it now, but in 10 or 15 years might think, 'Oh, Nico was there'."
Partner Rob Jetten: The Youngest Dutch Prime Minister-Elect
Keenan's partner, Rob Jetten, leader of the centrist liberal party Democrats 66, is set to become the youngest prime minister of the Netherlands when his government is sworn in later this month.
"As a young kid his passion was politics and to help people. So, it's inspiring to see how he made his way being himself till he reached the top," Keenan said. "Even if we come from two completely separate worlds, sports and politics, we have some similarities. Being with him inspired me to be myself and knowing that no matter who I am, who I love, I can still reach the top and be the best version of myself."
Childhood in Buenos Aires and the Role of Sports
Keenan grew up in Buenos Aires, where sports played a pivotal role in his upbringing, providing a safe and nurturing environment.
"We have a big club culture in Argentina. So, I played for the club Ciudad de Buenos Aires where my parents and grandparents played," he recalled. "It was a safe environment where my parents would just drop me off and I would be there the whole weekend playing different sports, mainly hockey. It's where I made friends. So, sports for me feels like home. It feels like a safe space I can be in."
Currently competing in the FIH Pro League, Keenan continues to be a regular face on international hockey turfs, including in India, where he first played during the 2016 junior World Cup. His journey underscores the ongoing challenges and progress for LGBTQ+ athletes in global sports.
