A Talk about Hope | Keegan Hirst | TEDxWarwick

In his talk, Keegan Hirst will discuss the challenges he faced with his identity and sexuality, his life, loneliness and how we are all ultimately seeking a sense of belonging and the ways we can achieve that. Keegan will touch on topics such as what can be done as members of a community to support anyone, gay or straight, with identity crises and matters of lonliness and hurt. Keegan Hirst is a British Rugby League player. In 2015 he became Britain’s first openly gay player, sending shock waves across the media and prompting questions of the inclusivity of the sport. To this day, Keegan continues to speak out for his identity through radio and interviews, and challenges the stigmatisation of homophobia in sport. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@rolandcassar75]

At one point, Keegan says it was nobody's fault (that he felt so bad) but it was. If there was general acceptance of people who are different, he'd never have felt the way he did. Can I just give you a hug ?

[@savagezoo]

Truly inspiring talk, Keegan. When I became a mother I spent a lot of time thinking about basically the flip side of your situation. How can I make my kids know that I am there, how can I let them know that if they are part of the LGBTQ+ community that that is a part of them but doesn’t change their worth, how can I make sure they know that they are valued and loved no matter what. When I got to the point in the talk where you mentioned your own mother’s response, I was shattered. I am so sorry to hear of the challenges you faced - alone or otherwise. I love that you teach your kids that everything is fixable and I know that you’re a great father for what your experiences have taught you.

[@janewatt683]

That was great Keegan, you are an inspiration to other who needed to hear this. I am so pleased that you and your Mom have reconciled. But, the best part is that now you have Joel! I love watching you two together❤️

[@cyberbitus]

How could you have thought to take your very unique life, and deprive us of YOU? Thank you, brother, for having the courage to continue; to be here and bring light and inspiration to other unique human beings who do not conform to small-minded stereotypes. Brightest light and Blessing! 🤗😙

[@a-complished4406]

Thank you. I needed that.. it’s been 57 years on hiding 😢

[@Kitchguy]

The struggle is real and hopefully going forward people have is easier. Nobody can possibly understand what we go through alone before that first person we decide to tell. Loved this TED talk with Keegan.

[@gayolyguy]

Keegan..you presented your heartfelt presentation years ago..however..profound and most appreciative today..my Daughter saved me from what could have been self destruction.. I'm 72 years old..married for past 32 years to my loving Husband..most of all..proud of myself for making my life authentic.. Thanks !

[@leerossiter9788]

Keegan, you might never read this comment, and probably we will never interact. This was awesome and actually brought tears. Incredible words that resonated so close to my heart. Wishing you well.

[@danielwilda8167]

Excellent advice from a Man who is a role model for young men innocent boys who are tormented by the way that they love their own gender thanks to an excellent MAN👍⭐️🌈🏳️‍🌈🇺🇸

[@cliffneasby5301]

My journey has some similarities to yours. I also was married young and have a daughter that I ended up having custody of. She is like your kids what made me go on when I was in a very dark place. What really struck me hard about this video is that at some point I realized that hope was maybe the most important thing you can have. Because with out it you only spiral down. Today I am a grandparent of 2 and have a wonderful life. I feel like it was a combination of two things. Because I could not give up because another person needed me and because somewhere deep inside I started to have a spark of hope. Thank you for this video.

[@kirkwood512]

I have subscribed to your channel, not bc I saw this vid, but bc I subscribe to Joel and found out about you on his channel. This talk made me cry. You express yourself so well. And your courage is amazing! Your journey is full of inspiration and hope. Please keep telling your story! I admire you so much!

[@eduardomartinez-rb2du]

You are LOVED Keegan.The best for you today & always! ❤👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@chrisblyth4072]

With him all the way. Been there done that. Being honest with yourself and to yourself is so liberating. Good on ya you handsome sod.

[@Gholden1972]

Thanks for the hope. Going through round 2 now. I still have a long way to go. You are the role model guys like me need. Representation is so important.

[@bettygange4636]

You are anAmazing person! I feel lucky I have heard this speech .Joel lead the way here ,so thanks to both of you .Really really special people.😍

[@jeffwatkins352]

With his thick accent (to an American, anyway) and being a rugby player, Keegan's deeply honest and uplifting story so eloquently told comes as a wonderful surprise, a pure injection of the possibility for goodness in this life. Hope, indeed.

[@alanyost3307]

I was about to propose marriage to you until I saw that you’re taken. Damn. Just my luck. But best wishes to you and your family. And thanks so much for the beautiful message of hope.

[@tubester46]

Thanks, keegan, for this and all your other videos. I hope you and Joel find great happiness together!!

[@geoffreynewby3270]

This was so powerful and came from the heart we have all been where you have

[@johndixon6998]

Wow just wow…… so powerful and inspirational. Thank you. I now follow you and Joel on KZbin and love it, love it, love it, 🌈

[@ggrinfan]

I am not a native English speaker, some words escaped me. Regardless of that, this was one of the talks that had the greatest impact on me. For its honesty, for its message, for the courage to face rejection. Thank you for sharing

[@col62]

Keegan first and foremost thank you for sharing. Your an inspiration. What you have to say will touch so many people. Parts of this talk made me want to cry, to give you a fathers hug and just let you know you are loved. ❤

[@roncantrell2836]

God this guy is such a STUD!!

[@flgardener1155]

So inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

[@candidolopez1131]

Wow, I so loved this message and how it was presented... Thank you Keegs - you are a true inspiration to many who are out there trying to find themselves in any situation. Thanks!

[@CarlosDiaz-1975]

I love his speech and him

[@jamesk8s1]

Great! so powerful and amazing. So many lives will be touched and uplifted and given hope because of your life and story. I wish you ever greater joy and happiness for you and your expanding family!

[@scottjohnson1508]

This video is absolutely amazing. I'm so proud that you shared your story, of the man you have become. Keegan, you're amazing and I think you are the best. I love you!

[@sportyg725]

Thank you for sharing, indeed the struggle is very real. I have a few decades on you, you should realize and be ready that you don't come out once, it's an ongoing process. Nobody sets still in their family or social circles. There are always new people joining and leaving your social circles. There is no taking it back and acting like it never happened. It's a powerful declaration of recognition, acceptance, self understanding and hope on so many levels. You have a great talk and I love the TEDx format. I think it is important for the newly out to recognize how being out changes over time.

[@tkdfeet]

Great talk Keegan. You’re a true boss. So happy for you.

[@janetscott4402]

Wonderful, inspirational talk, I am truly moved to tears, thank you for your honesty. I hope your future is all you want and deserve. X

[@Suzibird307]

Oh Keegan, you are truly amazing !!

[@50hellkat2]

What a great sharing and so inspirational.

[@buckhamkemp]

So brave and inspirational.

[@buckhamkemp]

@Wayne Lohan It's a lot more complicated than that. Perhaps you should watch and listen more carefully before demonstrating such an incredible level of stupidity and ignorance.

[@robertaiudi6521]

his accent is amazing lol thanks for a great talk!!

[@scottjohnson1508]

Keegan, I also enjoy watching videos of you and Joel together. Handsome couple. Glad you have each other.

[@marietgonzalez5622]

Bravo, Keegan!!!

[@tigertigertiger3740]

Great!!! I've FINALLY got round to watching this. It's not got anywhere near as many views as it deserves though.

[@that1monk]

thank you for your kindness and honesty. the world is so much better because you're in it.

[@4nshale]

Great talk. Congratulations on your life journey.

[@mehulmishra2225]

Hi! Thanks for this To anyone who sees this. Have a wonderful day. I love you all!

[@ettazak]

I love you!

[@mehulmishra2225]

@@ettazak thank you. You are a wonderful person!!!

[@Borboleta1212]

Thank you! 🙂🥰 sending love from Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿, UK 💚💚

[@adamsutcliffe7419]

Best Ted I've ever watched

[@richardstokstad9271]

All I can say is Wow.

[@judidozier]

Keegan, you are a great man! 💪

[@davidoran123]

There is hope, hope beyond the malignant mythologies of religions. Yes, there is benevolence in the faith communities, but only for that community, there is repression of anything ' other'. Otherness is not allowed. I knew from about four years of age and grew up in a totally heteo environment, it did not make me straight. There needs to be support for kids who are 'different' as they are very prone to suicide because of the hate.

[@MarkWilliams-pu7mq]

Well done mate👍

[@danlaw1208]

Thanks keagan

[@hugshoney3409]

Oh wow!

[@derekwilkinson5908]

respect, we are as Good As You

[@mjb7677]

Great video. Thanks Keegan!

[@michaelalanjunak]

Alright...I am totally balling my eyes out right now

[@tigertigertiger3740]

Wow!!! Has no-one commented since my last comment. Well, we now have 40M+ views. A pretty decent number I'd say. Excellent talk there, mi amigay!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@giovannijacobs4496]

sounds amazing. lso this man is hot.

[@smokeyallanritter3211]

BRAVO KEEGAN!

[@wjjrwjj]

Thanks thanks thanks 🙏 thanks 🙏 so much amazing

[@k.vn.k]

Keegan ❤

[@timothycote236]

Try doing this with 6 older brothers. Respect you.

[@tonyanderson6235]

You are. Rear man congratulations

[@MoJohnnys]

Funny, throughout his life he never worried about his accent. And yet I imagine many people can't understand a bloody word he's saying 😂 Just kidding...many will be comforted by the sharing of his story.

[@johnedwards230]

Top lad. 👏👏👏

[@timojarun7830]

Wise words man! Thank you.