Irish footballing couple Katie McCabe and Ruesha Littlejohn joined The Football Show on Off The Ball on Tuesday.
The pair spoke about being an openly gay couple in the world of professional football and how the reaction to them coming out was positive.
"When we came out, our phones were pinging with people getting in touch," said Ruesha, "people that we knew, family and friends."
"Then on Instagram they were messaging us, saying 'well done' and they were really happy for us. It was encouraging other people to follow in our footsteps and come out. So for us, it was really positive feedback."
While social media can be a tough place for some people, McCabe says their experience has been positive.
"Social media is a great thing for people to get in contact with you," said the Ireland skipper, "and we've both received DMs from people wanting to share their stories with us. Not just people of a younger generation but people that are older as well so for us that has been inspiring.
"It has shown us that what we have done has inspired at least one person which is what we wanted to do.
"It's nice," continued Littlejohn, "the first message I got I was like 'Oh that's really nice, we're making a difference.'
"If we even helped one person that's great, but there have been several people reaching out telling us it's great and telling us about their stories. It's nice to have that effect and help people in difficult times."
Compared to the men's game with no openly gay players, the women's game appears to be a more accepting community, the couple says they had no issue making their relationship public.
"I think since last year it's been terrific," says McCabe, "but in terms of how we've dealt with it - we've just taken it in our stride.
"It's nothing we've hidden from all the years. We've always been really open with our friends, families, teammates, coaches. It's nothing we hid from people so for us it's been quite easy but for others, it's not so easy.
"With Aviva teaming up with the 'Belong To' youth services, that is a massive support mechanism for people are struggling and need help but who can't reach out to friends or family, but they could use those types of services."
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