Be true to yourself, stay confident and be proud of who you are. If DC Power Football Club midfielder Alex Kirnos could go back in time, that’s the advice she would share with her younger self. Although Kirnos came out to her friends and family during her senior year of high school, it took a while for her to feel comfortable and identify her role in the community.
Before coming out, Kirnos feared how others would respond. Throughout high school, her apprehensions manifested in sleeping problems and other mental health challenges relating to feeling secure in her sexuality. Following opening up to her parents, Kirnos felt a world of relief, comforted by their unwavering support and acceptance.
“You never know how someone will react and I think that’s the scariest part of coming out,” Kirnos said. “I still am who I am and my parents love me for me and support me. I’m so lucky and I hope for people that don’t have that support, there’s someone else they can confide in and turn to.”
Though society is constantly evolving and the LGBTQIA+ community and allies have grown immensely in the past few decades, there’s still work to be done. Kirnos expressed her appreciation of the game of soccer and the outlet it’s provided for her from a young age, remaining a constant in her life. She hopes future generations of youth athletes in the community will have the stability of athletics in their lives, a form of expression while navigating difficult periods in their life.
“Always be true to yourself,” Kirnos said. “The spaces are continuing to grow and there’s so much more representation being shown in movies, television, on and off the field, etc. It’s so important for youth to know they’re never alone and there’s so many opportunities available and opportunities that are continuing to grow.”
District Pride
As June quickly approaches, Kirnos looks forward to celebrating Pride throughout the month in the District. With D.C. hosting 2025 World Pride, Kirnos is excited to welcome LGBTQIA+ community members from around the globe.
“World Pride this Summer in D.C., the best city in the world,” Kirnos said. “I’ll be attending and know it will be amazing and a lot of fun. I’m excited.”
Though pleased with the increase in support and community initiatives throughout the month of June, Kirnos encourages continuous support and harped on the importance of being open and accepting not just in the month of June, but throughout the entire year.
“People are queer everyday of their lives and it’s important we hold space for friends, teammates, coworkers, family members and strangers,” Kirnos said. “Just being kind and giving them the space to express themselves and be comfortable in who they are and who they love, that’s just so important. We should be spreading love and kindness year-round.”
While she’s seen drastic steps in the right direction since her coming out, Kirnos hopes that future generations won’t be fearful of having conversations regarding their sexuality, and that young people will feel comfortable and self-assured in who they are and who they choose to love.
DC Power Football Club celebrates District Pride Night on Tuesday, May 13 in their match against Spokane Zephyr FC. Tickets are available for purchase at www.dcpowerfootballclub.com/single-match-tickets/ and include a Pride themed Power FC bucket hat.
Kirnos looks forward to celebrating 2025 Pride both on and off the pitch and continuing to advocate and pave the way for future generations, just as those have before her.
“I would tell my younger self that nobody will care who you choose to love,” Kirnos said. “People will still find you funny and want to be your friend. You still get to play soccer and live out your dream.”