By Jheruleene Anne Ramos
The volleyball world has shown an outpouring of support for United States men’s team captain Erik Shoji after he came out as queer during Pride Month.
In a video posted on his Instagram and TikTok accounts, Shoji sat on a velvet chair next to his labradoodle and said, “I’m here to tell the world today that I am queer,” as reported by PinkNews.
Considered by many as one of the greatest liberos, the 35-year-old admitted that coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community felt “scary but freeing at the same time”, adding that self-acceptance took longer than he had anticipated.
“I’m stronger, more confident, and more sure of myself than I’ve ever been,” he said.
“Given who I am and the platform that I have, this is my moment and I’m so excited to move forward after this.”
According to the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative, “queer” is an umbrella term used to describe people who are not heterosexual or cisgender, often reflecting identities that challenge heteronormative beliefs.
Shoji hoping to inspire next generation
Shoji, a Stanford record-holder for career digs with 1,402, said he hopes his coming out will show young players that they can thrive without hiding their true selves.
“I hope to be a role model. I’m in a position where it’s almost inevitable,” he said.
“And I think the volleyball community has been so open and accepting of so many different types of people, which is amazing to see.”
He also expressed hope that fans would not view him differently, saying: “This is part of who I am, and if they loved me before that, they’ll love me after.”
Shoji added that he feels excited about what lies ahead following his revelation and what he can bring to his family, team, and friends in the future.
The Honolulu-born athlete helped the US team win bronze medals at the 2016 and 2024 Olympic Games as well as gold medals at the 2015 and 2024 International Volleyball Federation World Cups.
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Volleyball community responds with love, support
Support poured in within minutes of Shoji’s announcement, with many commenters expressing pride in his courage to come out.
His fans expressed pride in him too, while some who initially thought the video was a retirement announcement were relieved and flooded his Instagram with rainbow and heart emojis.
USA Volleyball also expressed support, writing: “Proud of you, Erik…we’re honoured to stand with you, always.”
Fellow volleyball players echoed this support, including Olympian Merrick McHenry, an openly gay athlete, who commented, “Thank you for being you.”
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A milestone moment for volleyball
Justin Liu, a member of Canada’s national volleyball team and fellow international libero, called Shoji’s video a “big step” for the sport.
Liu, who came out as gay in an email to his Stanford team-mates five years ago, further said Shoji’s message reminded him of his own journey.
“It pulled at my heartstrings in ways I didn’t even imagine were possible. He spoke from a place that I definitely related to, and I’m sure others did as well,” he told Outsports.
While Shoji is already seen as a role model in volleyball, Liu believes his impact will now go even further, especially among LGBTQ+ youth.
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Coming out still carries risks
Liu acknowledged that coming out remains a challenge for athletes, particularly in the digital age, where negative and insensitive comments are common.
Despite this, Liu emphasised that Shoji’s courage will help athletes to be true to themselves and liberate themselves from fear of being judged.
“So for them to hear from people like Erik, in a way that allows the athlete to speak their truth, it’s just so freeing and vulnerable,” he said.
“I think that sends a good message to younger people in general to approach their own identities and their lives in the same way.”
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