Why listen
A pro NASCAR driver came out, stepped away, and is now racing back on his own terms.
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In this episode
- How a hypermasculine sport shapes a young athlete's sense of self
- What it took to leave racing at 17 and find an authentic identity
- What coming out meant for a career built on speed and competition
- How one queer driver is pushing NASCAR toward greater LGBTQ+ inclusion
About this episode
When you think of Nascar, you’re probably not thinking about how the sport can contribute to LGBTQ+ rights. But thanks to one young racecar driver, that’s changing for the better.This week, we talk with NASCAR driver Zach Herrin. In love with racing since the age of 5, he sped towards his dreams and turned pro by 16. As a young person, his most authentic self was constantly challenged by the hypermasculine world of racing. So he opted for a pit stop and stepped away from the sport at just 17. Shifting gears allowed Zach to get in touch with his most authentic self as an out professional athlete. Now, he’s ready for a comeback.
So, buckle up and get ready for queer lap around the track.
Follow Zach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zach.herrin
Learn more about Racing Pride: https://racingpride.com/
Learn more about Lambda Legal: https://lambdalegal.org/
By Straw Hut Media.
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About PRIDE
On Pride, host Caitlynn McDaniel deep dives into the LGBTQ+ stories lighting up our screens — and the people who bring them to life. Each week, she sits down with the stars we love, the creators behind the scenes, and the voices changing the way stories are told.
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