Heated Rivalry's Robbie GK hopes people around queer athletes are 'cheering them on'

'I hope that those people have a great support system of friends' as professional settings for athletes is quite tough

Heated Rivalry star Robbie GK says he hopes queer athletes feel supported by those around them, especially as more professional players find the courage to come out publicly.

Speaking on the red carpet at the GLAAD Media Awards, where Heated Rivalry won Best New TV Series, the actor reflected on how difficult professional sports environments can sometimes be for LGBTQ+ athletes and stressed the importance of having strong support systems.

“I hope the people around them are also cheering them on,” Robbie said. “I know for that setting of professional athletes, it can really be a tough place to operate within. So I hope that those people have a great support system of friends.”

When asked how it feels to bring queer representation to audiences around the world, Chang said the response to the show has been deeply meaningful.

“It feels really, really satisfying,” he said.

Robbie added that the scale of the show’s international reach continues to surprise him.

“I think it's still, at least to me, it's still a surprise,” he said. “I feel like every day I learn of a new group of people, either in a different country that I had no idea watched the show.”

“And so every day it seems like that reach continues to expand. I think that that's just such a fulfilling feeling outside of the success. I think it's just great that it's spreading so wide.”

The conversation also touched on the role allies can play in supporting LGBTQ+ communities. Chang acknowledged that speaking out can sometimes feel uncomfortable but encouraged people not to avoid those moments.

“Oh my gosh, I know it's so hard,” Chang said. “And I hope this show just reinforces the fact that it's scary, but it doesn't mean that you can't do it.”

He added that progress often starts with difficult but honest discussions.

“Let’s all stay in the room for the tough conversations and the uncomfortable situations. Let's just have the conversation, regardless of where you're from and what your perspective is,” he said. “Be open. Because we're all human at the end of the day.”

Robbie attended the awards with the producers of Heated Rivalry, Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady, as well as the rest of the cast except Hudson Williams. Those who attended took to the stage to accept the GLAAD award with Tierney and Brady.