(CNN) -- The first step is always the hardest -- but the second is just as challenging. Once the dust has settled, the well wishers have moved on and the interviews have ceased, there's the realization that there is a world out there -- waiting to be confronted. "For 25 years, you've lived a certain way and with distance," U.S. footballer Robbie Rogers, who now plays for Los Angeles Galaxy, said in an interview for CNN's "World Sport Presents: Journey of a Gay Athlete" documentary. "You're afraid to tell people and be open with stuff and so it's hard to just change. A lot of gay men and women who aren't out and don't really accept that they're gay, live with a bit of self-hate.
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Footballer Robbie Rogers is one of the most high-profile voices in battle for gay rights
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Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder came out in February 2013
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Former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger revealed he is gay earlier this week
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Hitzlsperger says he wanted to come out ahead of Sochi Games
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He promptly retired from football -- only to return in May after being offered a deal to play in the @placeholder with LA Galaxy.
Robbie Rogers
Robbie Rogers
"I always heard homophobic things in locker rooms, on soccer fields, you know, before training, after training," said @placeholder, who was more or less convinced he was gay by the age of 13 or 14.
Robbie Rogers
Robbie Rogers
Like @placeholder, the former Germany international struggled with the concept of coming out while playing professional football.