Hinshaw-Hosted "Out in Rugby" Conversation with Nick McCarthy of the Chicago Hounds Featured in the Windy City Times

January 29, 2024

The Windy City Times provided media coverage of an event hosted by Hinshaw in Chicago featuring rugby player Nick McCarthy. McCarthy, who plays for the Chicago Hounds Major League Rugby team, shared insights into his personal story, triumphs, and challenges as an LGBTQ+ professional athlete.

Ian Wagreich and partners David Alfini, Vincent Rizzo, and Todd Young of the firm's LGBTQ+ Affinity Group hosted the event, while Young moderated the Q&A conversation with McCarthy.

McCarthy shared that he initially chose to ignore his sexual orientation, but two years ago, he "decided to take some steps in the right direction," saying that "all the reactions were amazing." He recalled how his network of family and close friends helped him announce his coming out, but he "just wasn't ready" at the time.

When asked what was holding him back, McCarthy revealed that "my biggest struggle was with my own self-acceptance. The team probably accepted me more than I accepted myself."

As Windy City Times notes, Hinshaw "has hosted numerous diversity-related events over the years and has a prominent LGBTQ+ affinity network, which Alfini and Young lead."

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