International LGBTQIA+ Pride Day is marked on 28 June with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of tackling LGBTphobia. Regarding this, Aline Parra of Paraiba, who defended the Brazilian handball team at the Athens and Beijing Olympics, opened her heart and told her way. According to him, always with great respect, support and affection. The date commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion, when patrons at a bar in New York, United States, protested prejudice-driven police approaches.
As a player, Aline Parra made stories on the court in and off Brazil. Parabana wore the number 10 shirt of the Brazilian team, represented the country at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympics, and was a gold medalist at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio. However, his career as an athlete came to an end. Year 2014, 34 years old, due to shoulder injuries. But when it comes to her personal life and sexuality, Aline was straightforward: I was always myself.
I have never had to come in front of anyone. It was always me. I didn’t have to come in front of people. It was always me. I didn’t have to prove anything to anyone except my family. I didn’t meet everyday. Visited once or twice a year. But when I really understood what was happening to me, which I really always was, I talked to my family and told them, he said.
Paraibana highlights that her career has never been affected with respect to her way of life. Quite the opposite. According to him, the decisions he received were exclusive to his actions on the handball court. Furthermore, he remarked that he was always warmly welcomed by clubs, players, technical committees, etc.
My career was never affected by who I was or not. Quite the opposite. My career was on the court. I was always judged by what I did on the court and not by what I was or was not. He commented, “I have always been very affectionate and have been very welcome both in clubs and in the Brazilian team, off the court as well.”
Finally, Aline Parra emphasizes the importance of family members in her trajectory as an athlete and in life. For her, the support she receives makes her even more calm.
It never entered my mind that I needed to come out. I always thought it must be me. I always stamped well on my face how truthful and transparent I am. I was always very calm. There was respect and love throughout my journey as a player and coach. My family respects and loves me for who I am. His support was necessary. Family is the basis of everything. I support them. It brings me peace of mind to live my life peacefully. I always thank my friends. I have always been welcomed. There has never been a lack of respect among players, coaches and friends. I just want to thank you, finished.
