Coming out of a famous PlusLiga volleyball player. Bartosz Kurek's reaction says it all

There is no doubt that although the reality around us is certainly completely different than it was a few or a dozen years ago, coming out is still something worth writing about and emphasizing its importance. There is no doubt that it is very valuable when famous and well-liked people share something that is extremely important to them.

PlusLiga: Erik Shoji has come out. He is a world-class libero

The American volleyball player has been playing in the PlusLiga since 2021. Shoji has already played in other, best leagues in the world, including Italy and Russia. After a period spent in Kędzierzyn-Koźle (2021-25), the US representative is to change club colors. According to still unofficial information, ZAKSA is to be replaced by Asseco Resovia Rzeszów. Shoji will therefore remain in the PlusLiga ranks, which should certainly be very positive news for fans following these games.

Returning to the information provided by the volleyball player, the recording appeared on social media. Instagram turned out to be the right place to share with the world something, as the interested party himself emphasized, that liberated him.

"I'm here to tell you, the whole world, that I'm queer. It's terrifying for me, but at the same time liberating that I'm finally ready to be able to say it. It took me a long time to accept myself," admitted the libero, who has been playing in PlusLiga since 2021.

Who are queer people?

"Some use the word 'queer' because they don't feel the need to precisely define their orientation or gender identity. Others see it as having a more political dimension - queer is a movement opposing discrimination and rigid divisions, supporting the right to be oneself [...] Queer is a concept that eludes strict definitions, because that's exactly what it's about - freedom, openness and diversity. It's a term that unites, not divides, and gives the opportunity to be oneself without having to fit into imposed patterns. For some it's an identity, for others a philosophy of life, but one thing is certain - queerness is an important part of the LGBT+ community and it's worth celebrating!" - we read on the queer.pl website .

Shoji's recording is gathering a lot of positive comments. One of the commentators is Bartosz Kurek, a former teammate in Kędzierzyn-Koźle, who was the captain of ZAKSA in the 2024/25 season.

– I am proud of you and that I know you. Sending you lots of love and support – Kurek wrote, in his own style, with great class in a comment under the post on Instagram.

Shoji, apart from his club and national team successes (including two bronze Olympic medals from 2016 and 2024), is a very popular figure among fans. The player himself is also very active on social media, sharing not only what is happening on the volleyball court. The American has also repeatedly emphasized that he feels very good in Poland, hence Shoji's regular play in the PlusLiga.

Read also: Here is the successor of Bartosz Kurek. The Polish volleyball player has had a difficult path Read also: Robert Lewandowski vs. PZPN? Another scandal has come to light