The 33-year-old, who played for the Cleveland Guardians and the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2014 to 2017 seasons, shared his happy news on Facebook on Thursday.
He is only the third MLB player to come out as gay publicly, after Glenn Burke, who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Oakland Athletics in the late 1970s, and Billy Bean, who played for the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
House referenced in his Facebook post the Senate amendment to the Respect for Marriage Act that also passed on Thursday. He wrote that the law allows him to come together with Neitzel and “create something beautiful” as it “protects us to have the same rights and opportunities that each of you have.”
Along with a number of pics of himself with his partner, House wrote: “Love. It’s a simple word, one that carries much weight and meaning. Each of us defines love in a different way, but at the core we all just want to feel the same. To be loved by someone who only wants the best for you, walking the trials of life side by side.
“Some say we choose who we love as if love doesn’t pop out of the darkest corner of your life, when you least expect it, and throws you into a magical spell that pulls you out of loneliness,” House posted.
He continued by detailing how he has found it difficult being himself: “I’ve struggled my entire life with being comfortable in my own skin. I have purposefully distanced myself from people for the sake of trying to protect myself.
“It’s disheartening how one simple thing can change an individual’s opinion of you in a matter of seconds,” House wrote. “It has taken me years to wake up every morning and tell myself that you are loved for you, the one that’s deep down inside that you’ve never truly let out.
“I’ve been loved my whole life for what I did as a career, and it carried me for the longest time. Eventually though, it’s a bandage that covers a wound that needs fresh air to heal. You have to rip it off at some point if you truly want to get better.
“Shame has kept me quiet all these years, but Love has finally set me free,” he concluded.
House posted that playing baseball was what kept his inner feelings from overwhelming him: “You see, I was 23 years old and living out my childhood dream playing professional baseball in Cleveland. I dedicated all my energy into it, using it as my drug too numb what was really going on inside.
“Don’t get me wrong, I loved every moment of my playing days, and I would go the same route again if I had the chance (with one big change). But even with all the money, fancy cars, nice clothes and a little tiny bit of fame, I would go home every night wishing I could change.
“Deep down I wanted something more, I wanted to be loved not for what I did, but who I was.”
House continued to describe the difference it will make to his life by coming out: “I know most would say, ‘You never really gave me a chance to love you for who you are because we didn’t know.’ You’re right, I gave very few that chance.
“I’ve sat in many rooms, listened to conversations around me, sat in pews at church, and read posts that have led me to act otherwise. It’s hard listening to people talk about you without them knowing that the words they are saying are directed at you,” House wrote.
“Today’s passage of the Respect for Marriage Act protects us to have the same rights and opportunities that each of you have. It protects the same benefits. It makes us equal to you. It allows Ryan Neitzel and I to come together and create something beautiful.
“It gives me the confidence to get engaged to the person I love (he said Yes!), to marry them. I have a wonderful fiance, who challenges me daily to become a better person. To live life authentically. One who I never deserved but blessed to have. Love you see, it’s for everyone,” House posted.
“I’m finally healing, and days like today are what helps me continue to grow into the person I’ve been all along, one I’ve locked up for 20 plus years.
“Today I am Loved.”
There was a lot of love for House on social media after his declaration, with many congratulating the couple on their happy announcement.
One wrote: “Congratulations to you both! This is one of the most beautiful and raw posts I’ve read about someone coming out and expressing who they are and who they love and loves them in return. Thank you for being so vulnerable. We wish you and Ryan a lifetime of love, laughter and happiness.”
Another commented: “A beautiful declaration of love, independence & empowerment. Best wishes to the two of you,” while a third added: “Love this. Love is unconditional and people should be too.”
A fourth well-wisher wrote: “Congrats! Role model for everyone who struggles with who they are and whom they love!”
Another hoped that this declaration of love would inspire others: “Congratulations!!! May your words and your journey inspire others to live authentically, find love, and live with pride. Wishing you both many blessings.”
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