ProLiga basketball player signs on for NOH8 campaign

Professional Iranian Basketball Player Behdad Sami speaks out about why he posed for the NOH8 campaign.
“The reason I decided to get in contact with NOH8 and show my support is because I believe it’s already tough enough for the Gay community to receive support, let alone if you are of Middle Eastern decent. There are so many middle eastern males and females around the world that have been silenced by force not only fearing what their traditional families will think but also fearful of losing their life. In certain Middle Eastern countries, if you “come out”, it’s a literal death sentence. This upsets me so much to think our human right to be who we are is being controlled that way. I am honored to be apart of this campaign and plan to help and be apart of anything NOH8 has for me in the future. I pray this can raise more awareness not just for the Gay communities around the USA but for the silenced people of the Middle East and the rest of the world.” –Behdad Sami

Born in Iran and raised in California, Behdad Sami has played for ABA teams in the US, and currently plays for Portuguese ProLiga team Guifoes.