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July 11, 2023

R.K. Russell: Debunking the Myths of Bisexuality

R.K. Russell (former professional NFL football player, author, advocate) breaks down what it was like to be the first active NFL player to come out of the closet, the complexity around bisexuality, and compartmentalization as a survival mechanism. He reflects on his football beginnings, his close relationship with his single mother, and his struggles with internalizing society’s flaws and feeling “othered.” Russ opens up about his watershed moment when he first realized he was bisexual and his internal battle that ensued, juggling both his masculine and feminine tendencies, and how society’s incorrect views about sexuality impacted the conversation around his own within the football world. He explains why he strives to debunk myths around bisexuality, the intersectionality of being a queer person and a person of color, curation vs creation, and the importance of representation and inclusivity in sports. Russ reveals why he finally decided to make himself and his happiness a priority over football and his advice to those holding big secrets.

Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.
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R.K. Russell

NFL Player, Writer, Advocate

rkrelentless
Mayim Bialik

Host

@missmayim
Jonathan Cohen

Co-Host

@jonathancohenofficial

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Guest References

The Yards Between Us A Memoir of Life, Love, and Football
A groundbreaking memoir from professional NFL player, writer, and advocate R.K. Russell, who made history by becoming the first out active NFL player to identify as bisexual.
Read R.K. Russell's Essays
Russell’s essays on LGBTQ+ advocacy, equality, poetry, sports, masculinity, and more. His writing and life mission is to promote inclusion and equality for all people in all areas of life. He often writes about his personal experiences and unique perspective.
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Prison or Passion
Prison or Passion is a collection of vulnerable and eloquent poems from R.K. Russell, who has started and played in the NFL since 2015, for the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With bare honesty, walloping punchlines, and endearing flare, Prison or Passion captures the struggles of being a young boy without a father, and the strength that comes from building your own definition of manhood.
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R.K. Russell's Events
R.K. Russell speaks at universities, companies, conferences, or private events. Previous campuses include Colorado Mesa, Albany University, Purdue University, Tidewater College, and more.
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