The Warwick Rowers helped this ‘confused’ teen realise he was gay

Not only are the Warwick Rowers looking hotter than ever for 2016, but their mission to promote acceptance in sports is also proving more successful than ever.

Away from all the salacious oar-handling, the club is having a powerful real-world effect. Take the story of one Australian teen who finally came to terms with his sexuality after laying his eyes on the boys in the buff – and wrote them a touching letter to offer his thanks.

“I cried when I read it,” the club’s photographer, Angus Malcolm, wrote on Facebook. “It captures so absolutely what we have been working to achieve with this project and this calendar, and he so reminds me of who I was at that age.”

“I went through a lot of pain when I was this kid’s age, and beyond, and everything I have done with Warwick Rowers and Sport Allies has been about taking that pain away from LGBT+ kids today. To receive a message like this makes it all feel more than worthwhile.”

Here’s the teen’s message:

Hi, my name’s Angus. I’m a 17yr old Australian who recently came out as gay to his friends and family. I just wanted to say thank you, so very very much for what you guys do. The promo shots of your calendar and some of the pictures were some of the first ever photos of those kind that I saw. In fact it was the calendar images that made me realise my attraction and thus homosexuality.

But I think the most powerful aspects of the images are that they show that camaraderie and mateship is still possible when there are accepting people who don’t care about your sexuality. They gave me the realisation that when I came out to my friends they wouldn’t treat me any differently, but just like a mate. Infact the day I came out I put one of the posters on my phone lock screen as motivation to come out.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for what you’re doing, fighting homophobia and giving confused guys like me confidence in their attraction and eventual acceptance. As soon as I get a job I will buy one of the calendars and support this great cause, so hopefully you can keep helping others like me.

Keep it up boys!

Meanwhile, you can still get your hands on the Warwick Rowers 2016 calendar here.

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