Minnesota United midfielder Collin Martin, the only publicly gay male athlete in major U.S. team sports, voiced his support Wednesday for Pete Buttigieg’s candidacy for president.

Martin said in social media posts he was “proud to endorse” the South Bend, Ind., mayor’s bid for Democratic party’s nomination.

Buttigieg is the first openly gay presidential candidate to mount a mainstream campaign, with LGBTQ rights as one of his major policy points. The first link on the home page of his campaign web site is “Becoming Whole: A new era for LGBTQ+ people in America.”

“Now more than ever, we need a president who will protect and defend LGBTQ rights as if they were his own,” Martin wrote in a message on Twitter and Instagram. “Pete represents a new generation of leadership that our country deserves.

“I’m so proud to back Pete’s historic campaign and to see an openly gay man of faith welcomed on that 2020 debate stage for exactly who he is.”

Martin’s message comes as the U.S. Supreme Court heard two cases this week pertaining to workplace discrimination claims about sexual orientation and transgender issues. It was also shared on the eve of President Donald Trump’s campaign rally at Target Center on Thursday.

“Athletes like me are told to keep quiet about politics, but I refuse to sit on the sidelines when my community is under attack, especially by politicians who use faith as an excuse to discriminate,” Martin wrote. As a member of the Episcopal Church, he said, he found it difficult to “live my truth.” Related Articles Loons midfielder Thomas Chacon’s quiet first start of 2020 could be his only one

Michael Boxall: Minnesota United record holder and culture creator

Loons’ late rally falls short in 2-1 loss to Columbus Crew

Loons’ Adrian Heath, Kei Kamara believe they can strike simpatico partnership

Houston Dynamo scores twice in 2nd half to tie Minnesota United

Martin, a 24-year-old Maryland native who publicly revealed his sexual orientation in June, posted the message while holding a copy of Buttigieg’s autobiography “Shortest Way Home.”

“Thank you, Collin,” Buttigieg replied on Twitter. “We’re building a movement to meet this moment and a future where all Americans belong. I’m proud to have you on our team.”

Martin has played in three MLS games for the Loons this season and has had stints on loan with the Hartford (Conn.) Athletic of the lower-level USL Championship division. He played in 23 games combined for Minnesota in the 2017 and 2018 seasons.