In 1992, at the age of 8, Stephen Rhodes climbed behind the wheel of a go-kart and started to drive. Little did he know that, several years later, that same little boy with a fondness for wheels would eventually grow up to become the first openly gay NASCAR driver.

However, Rhodes notes, holding such a title hasn’t been a complete joy ride. After all, Rhodes came out in 2001, a time he says was “a combination of both good and bad.” Despite the struggle, Rhodes was able to work his way up the ranks of the racing world, most notably when he joined the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) in 2003.

Of course, a lot has happened in that time. Queerty recently chatted with Rhodes to discuss all things racing, what pressures come with being called the first openly gay NASCAR driver, and whether NASCAR, both as a sport and its fans, was always accepting of his sexuality.

Interview included in the link below.

Source: https://www.queerty.com/first-openly-gay-nascar-driver-talks-racing-homophobic-fans-vodka-cranberries-20181014