It has been tough, but we’ve spent all week long scouring the depths of Instagram to bring you this week’s Instahottie — Sam Phillips.
Born in West Hills, CA, gymnast Sam Phillips is the only out male athlete at the University of Nebraska.
“It’s so, so important to be a positive influence in this world that currently has lots of intolerance and ignorance producing hateful actions,” said Philips in a campus interview during Pride Month.
“I am the only out male athlete at Nebraska, and it’s lonely and isolating at times. But I think back to what if younger me saw me? How secure and hopeful he would be in himself if he saw an out male athlete being so involved and having a prominent role in all athletics and athletic-related departments.
“I choose to be a lighthouse for those younger than me but also those next to me who aren’t ready to come out and live their lives on this lit-up stage. So yes, being a positive role model is so important in this way. It’s representation, and it’s a signal that it’s OK to be yourself. It’s OK to step into these spaces being as authentically you as you can be.”
Phillips added model to his resume, as he appeared in a campaign for PSD Underwear this holiday season.
