Keenan, who plays top-level hockey in the Netherlands, revealed that he sometimes faces taunts from opponents on the field. These remarks often target his sexuality or his relationship. "For opponents, I am 'the partner of' or 'that gay guy' ('die homo')," he explained in the cover story for the magazine's latest edition.
However, Keenan is clear that such comments no longer affect him. He attributes this resilience to a strong sense of self-acceptance. "It doesn't bother me much anymore," he stated. "It says more about the other person than it does about me. It's their problem."
He contrasted the environment in Dutch sports with that of his home country, Argentina, which he described as having a more pronounced "macho culture." The acceptance he has found in the Netherlands, both on and off the field, stands in contrast to what many athletes might experience elsewhere.
The interview also touched upon the public nature of his relationship with one of the Netherlands' most prominent politicians. When asked if he feels like a 'first lady,' Keenan's response was straightforward and grounded. "I'm just Nico," he said, emphasizing his desire to maintain his own identity separate from his partner's public role.
Keenan's feature is the centerpiece of the new L'HOMO., which also includes interviews with other notable figures from the Dutch LGBTQ+ community and its allies, including presenter Splinter Chabot with non-binary actor Thorn de Vries, and influencer Robbert Rodenburg with trans model Gia Bab. The issue aims to provide a broad perspective on queer life in the Netherlands today.
