CGD Brasil expresses support for out Brazilian volleyball player after abusive treatment during recent match

CDG Brasil, a nonprofit organization that aims to develop activities of in the sporting, recreational, artistic and cultural community in favor of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) people and their allies, and to promote and defend the rights of LGBT people nationally, has expressed its support for Michael Souza, a player on Sao Paulo Superliga volleyball team VOLEI FUTURO, who has recently come out as gay.

Souza came out in an interview with Globo Esporte following the incidents during a match last Friday against Sada Cruzeiro of Minas Gerais, when he was the victim of homophobic abuse from the crowd. A complaint was lodged by his club with the volleyball federation, which has refused to take action because the incidents were not noted by officials during the match. The case now goes to the national sports tribunal. Souza states in the interview that he has never felt the need to officially come out, as his teammates and management have always known he is gay, but that he has no problem stating he is gay in order to bring attention to the problem of homophobia in his sport, likening it to racism, which remains a problem in Brazilian sport.