"Living in peace with yourself is the only thing that matters": Daria Kasatkina embodies the personal power of conviction and courage

"Living in peace with yourself is the only thing that matters, and fuck everyone else."

On its own, this is a bold statement. It becomes more courageous when considering the person—and story—behind it.

These are the words of a woman from Russia, a woman who this year reached the semifinals of Roland Garros, a woman who is dating another woman.

These are the words of Daria Kasatkina, a woman who is often thoughtful, refreshingly honest and unabashedly daring. In an open interview with countryman Vitya Kravchenko, a Vlogger, Kasatkina began by asserting, “I know there are things you want to ask, and I’m ready to talk about them.”

During the candid on-camera exchange, the 25-year-old confirmed she has a girlfriend before speaking about the taboo of her nation’s culture.

“This notion of someone wanting to be gay or becoming one is ridiculous. I think there is nothing easier in this world than being straight,” she stated. “Seriously, if there is a choice, no one would choose being gay. Why make your life harder, especially in Russia? What's the point?”

Kasatkina had all the respect for the strength Russian soccer player Nadya Karpova provided in helping others when she came out earlier this year. The world No. 12 also discussed the challenge of living in a climate where she believes it will never acceptable for gay couples to hold hands in public, further illustrating the positive impact those in a front-facing position can have with fostering a safer space.

“It is important for the young people who have a hard time with society and need support. I believe it’s important that influential people from sports, or any other sphere really, speak about it. It helps,” Kasatkina said.

She later added, “Living in the closet is impossible. For the long run, no, it is too hard. It is pointless, you will be completely focused on that until you choose to come out. Of course, it is up to you to decide how to do it and how much you tell.”

On Monday, Kasatkina published an Instagram photo with her girlfriend Natalia Zabiiakoi, an Olympic (team event) and World medalist (pairs) in figure skating. Its caption was simple: a purple heart.

Sending the love back your way, Dashka. Thank you. 💜