Gay footballers promote tolerance in Hampshire

From the Southern Daily Echo:


But while those who run the FA may be questioning what to do about homophobia in the sport, gay men up and down the country are getting on and playing the game. Among them are the members of Bournemouth and Hampshire Gay Football Club. The club, which is gay and gay-friendly, has been going for around six years. It was part of the national gay football league, Gay Football Supporters’ Network, but due to the cost of competing in the national league they have now formed a southern league of their own.

Glen Smith, the club treasurer, has been playing with Bournemouth and Hampshire GFC for around three-and-ahalf years. His reason for being in the club is, he explains, simply that he wants to play football. “I think the idea behind the club is a lot of our team wouldn’t be playing football otherwise. They wouldn’t want to join a straight team because they’d feel intimidated – you get the whole lad thing. People don’t realise that we just like football and we want to play football. That’s it really!”

Club chairman Martin Hastings says that the banter and macho, hightestosterone atmosphere of football can make it difficult for gay people to play in a straight team. "I think now, if I was on a straight team, I’d be more confident to come out and say that I’m gay,” says the 23-year-old. “When I was in my teens, it was quite daunting, especially because the people you are playing with are your friends. It’s hard enough to come out to one person, let alone a whole team. You think ‘Are people going to be comfortable with me in the changing room?’ And all straight men think they’re God’s gift as soon as there’s a gay man around!” laughs Glen.

Skate Fabulous!

Helen Carroll interview on battling homophobia in women's basketball

An extract from WomenTalkSport's exclusive interview with Helen Carroll of the NCLR Sports Project:

For quite some time, you've been dedicating your efforts to fighting homophobia in sports. Why do you do this?
Homophobia in sport is a barrier that can keep women-as coaches or athletes- from reaching the goals they work to attain. Negative recruiting is a practice that is harmful to women’s basketball and all sports. For anyone who doesn’t know what this means, negative recruiting occurs when coaches tell prospective athletes and their parents negative things about other coaches and teams who are also trying to recruit that athlete rather than focusing on the positive qualities of their own school and team.
In women’s sports negative recruiting based on perceived sexual orientation can be used against any woman coach, regardless of her sexual orientation. In a report authored by Pat Griffin and myself, The Positive Approach, sponsored by NCLR and the NCAA, we have tried to work to eliminate this practice. For me, approaching the issue of sexual orientation in a professional manner, using education, dialogue and researched reports can certainly make a difference in the experience and lives of many, many student-athletes. I fear we lose many women coaches as homophobia can drive women to choose other careers. I will always work to make sure LGBT coaches, administrators and athletes have their rightful place as leaders in sports.

BBC TV sports presenter Clare Balding says "It Gets Better"

BBC TV sports presenter Clare Balding has produced this video for the "It Gets Better" project.

Visit our "It Gets Better" page HERE.

Former England International footballer on racism, sexism, and homophobia

From an interview with Graeme Le Saux in Just Football (JF):

JF: I mean in light of the Keys/Gray sexism row and obviously the various taboos that it touched on within football, how do you interpret that dressing room ‘banter’ element?

GLS: It is a really difficult one because clearly there’s stuff that goes on in certain environments. Even when you go out with your mates you talk about things you wouldn’t talk about with your wives and girlfriends. You have a laugh about things. And within the dressing room there’s a lot of that because you’re together so much. There’s a lot of knocking, a lot of jokes – and you’ve got to have thick skin.

Now, my point is when does a joke become abuse or become prejudice? If we talk about for example race issues. When I was a young player there was a still a huge amount of racism within the game. And I think it’s not only up to individuals to take responsibility. I remember standing up for black players myself because it was never acceptable to me. So it’s a very complicated debate.

But clearly if you’re on an open microphone in a studio, there’s always going to be a lot of people listening and therefore many more people that you don’t know who rightly take offence to those things. But then I do think you have to be careful about how far you take that. If I make a joke – for example were you there when I made that joke with Marcel (Desailly)?

Wellington Outgames marked return to competition for Kate Rowe

Kate Rowe was present in Wellington as the FGG representative to the 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames, but this was also an opportunity to return to competition after her hip replacement surgery. Kate is seen here in the 5k, which she walked/trotted/ran on the fabulous course overlooking Oriental and Evans Bays.

More on KZN LGBT Recreation picnic

We are pleased to share this follow-up from participants at the picnic we reported on yesterday:

It was important to ensure that the police were aware of our presence and that they would be ready to protect us in case of any trouble. We had our permit, and we checked with Lieutenant Naidoo to make sure all would be OK.

What was most interesting in so far as I am concerned was to have as our special guest a parent of a gay child. Anna is a 40 year mother of 2 – a daughter (Nomfundo age 24, and a son age 17). She posed some very important and relevant questions. She said her main aim of attending our event was to establish a better relationship with her lesbian daughter because even though she already tries to be non-judgmental towards her, she wanted to go an extra mile to bring about mutual understanding between each other. She also wanted to find a safe environment for Nomfundo because in the township where they reside, homophobia is very rife. She noticed on several occasion her daughter escape what hate crimes. As a parent, she too receives abuse from the community and her extended family due to Nomfundo’s sexual orientation. The positive outcome out of this we planned a Mothers' Day gathering on 8th May where Anna will be addressing other mothers in a similar situation.

We were happy to have people from KZN LGBT Recreation present, and they lead us in a session of indigenous sports, followed by brain-teaser exercises. That put us in the right condition for the main point of our picnic, to talk about our situation and future actions to improve it.

An interesting point came when Nosipho and Snenhlanhla Mbambo, a lesbian couple, spoke of their relationship. Nosipho’s children are not approve of her partner merely because she is a woman, and call her derogatory names. There have been serious fights, with the police having to be called. Nosipho's son was kicking and threatening Snenhlanhla with a knife. Nosipho is in the middle of this fight because she loves her kids and she loves her partner. They currently live apart for the sake of the kids, but are still very much in love. This is very traumatizing for them, especially for Nosipho, whose entire family is opposed to this relationship, with the exception of her mother. This story is important, and we hope to use it in a documentary to share with others the pressures on gay couples.

Congratulations and thanks to Wellington Outgames!

Dear David, Virginia, Hamish, Karen, and Eve,

On behalf of the Board and Assembly of the Federation of Gay Games, we would like to congratulate you and your team, including your many volunteers, for making the 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames such a success.

Our representative Kate Rowe has told us of your warm reception and how readily you responded to her requests for support. She was impressed at how well the event was organised, particularly the accreditation that she witnessed first hand. She greatly appreciated the whole atmosphere of these Games, with 1300 participants coming together in a harmonious fashion and with a unique Maori flavour.

She also noted how well the sports were run, and how much joy she felt seeing so many smiling faces and participants from fifteen countries, mingling and meeting old friends or making new ones.

Your passion for your city and your willingness to work hard to achieve your goals was evident, and is promising for the future of LGBT life in Wellington, in New Zealand, and in the entire region.

As GLISA AsiaPacific works toward the 3rd AsiaPacific Outgames, we hope to continue to be part of the growth of LGBT sport and culture in the region, and build on the relationship you have been so helpful in developing. And on behalf of our hosts for Gay Games IX we thank you for the opportunity to tell Outgames participants about the warm welcome they will receive in  Cleveland in 2014, where we hope to see you all!

Once again, many thanks for your hospitality and for your work to promote the fundamental human right of all to participate and enjoy sport, culture, and camaraderie.

Tom Waddell Award winner shortlisted for SportAccord "Spirit of Sport" award

From SportAccord, news that 2006 Tom Waddell Award winner Lydia La Riviere Zijdel has been shortlisted for their "Spirit of Sport" awards. Congraulations and good luck to a worthy nominee!

The ‘Spirit of Sport’ Awards were created to commend the commitment and humanitarian spirit of SportAccord Members who have made an exceptional and lasting contribution to using sport as a tool for positive social change. The 2011 individual and project awards will be unveiled at the SportAccord General Assembly to take place on 8 April 2011 in London.


The 2011 Individual Spirit of Sport Award will honour an individual for his/her outstanding contribution to sport and society.

Shortlist:

Mr. Fernando Aguerre, International Surfing Association (ISA)
Mr. Aguerre has dedicated his life to the development of surfing around the world. Since 1994, when he was elected President of the ISA, Fernando has been instrumental in expanding the sport to over 65 nations, for obtaining IOC recognition, and for launching several development programmes.

Ms. Lydia la Riviere Zijdel, International Aikido Federation (IAF)
As an elite wheelchair martial artist, Lydia has opened up the world of persons with disabilities to the art of self defence, with a special emphasis on developing countries to enhance the abilities and motivation of persons with disabilities to become involved in sports and physical activities.

Mr. Erwin Lauterwasser, Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS)
As part of his lifelong engagement for the sport of skiing and the environment, Erwin Lauterwasser has served in the role of FIS Environmental Advisor since 1997. Mr. Lauterwasser has worked hard to establish FIS as a pioneer among the international federations in the area of the environment and sustainability.
For further information on the three shortlisted nominees, please click here.

ACLU attacks restrictions on access to LGBT materials for students

The FGG, our hosts and member organizations often face the issue of misguided internet filters that block access to our sites. These concern students, educators, and the general public using public networks. We can only support full access to essential resources for all. Find this press release HERE.

NEW YORK – The American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Michigan and the ACLU of Kansas and
Missouri sent letters to public high schools today demanding that the schools stop viewpoint-based censorship of web content geared toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities. The ACLU was notified that the schools were censoring material after teaming with Yale Law School to launch the “Don’t Filter Me” campaign, which asked students to check to see if their school was blocking content.

“We’re pleased that students around the country are responding to the initiative by asserting their rights and letting their schools know that censorship is unacceptable,” said Joshua Block, staff attorney with the ACLU LGBT Project. “Blocking these sites not only discriminates against LGBT viewpoints, but can deny LGBT students in crisis a much-needed lifeline for support.”

Programs that block all LGBT content violate First Amendment rights to free speech, as well as the Equal Access Act, which requires equal access to school resources for all extracurricular clubs. This means that gay-straight alliances and LGBT support groups must have the same access to national organizational websites as other groups such as the Key Club and the chess club. Some schools have also improperly configured their web filters to block news items pertaining to LGBT issues and deny access to support groups that could be vital for troubled LGBT youth who either don’t have access to the Internet at home, or do not feel safe accessing such information on their home computers.

Rugby League team eager to show progress in fight against homophobia

From the website of the UK's Rugby Football League:

Castleford Tigers are confident there will be no repeat of the homophobic chanting when Gareth Thomas returns to the PROBIZ Stadium on Sunday. The Tigers were handed a £40,000 fine, later reduced to £20,000 on appeal, for a breach of the Rugby Football League’s Respect policy after a section of their fans abused the openly-gay Thomas on his second appearance for Crusaders RL 12 months ago.

Castleford chief executive Richard Wright says the club have put measures in place to ensure there will be no repeat. They include an extra response team briefed to eject fans demonstrating inappropriate behaviour, a poster campaign promoting the RFL’s Respect values and the installation of CCTV cameras.

“We’ve invited the RFL’s equality and diversity officer as guest of honour for Sunday’s game and we are very proud of the fantastic progress made in introducing new initiatives, some of which are firsts for rugby league and sport in general,” said Wright. “We know that it was a small number of mindless fools that let the club, the town and the sport of rugby league down last year and we have taken steps to deal with these. Anybody found guilty of homophobic abuse has, and will be, banned from games indefinitely."

"Sunday is an opportunity for the fans to make a statement that Castleford Tigers are not a homophobic club. The club has played its part, it’s now up to the fans to concentrate on cheering the team and proving once and for all how this is a proud club, that warrants its reputation as one of the friendliest, family-orientated clubs in the game.”

Glamourheads make a splash at Wellington Outgames

News from MCV on QSAM and IGLA member Glamourhead Sharks:

Melbourne's GLBTI swimming team, the Glamourhead Sharks, scooped the pool with a staggering 126 medals at the second Asia Pacific Outgames last week. Winning 65 gold, 39 silver and 22 bronze over the three day event the teams’ overall score was 3,190 points.

Special notice was made for Sally Bodinnar in the 200m Breaststroke, Brad Harris in the 400m Freestyle and Russell Knee in the 200m Butterfly. Glamourhead’s assistant coach Jason Bucker said the team had achieved many personal bests.

KZN LGBT Recreation reports on Human Rights Day picnic

We thank Hlengiwe Buthelezi for this report on a recent activity of our friends at KwaZulu Natal LGBT Recreation, a picnic held in Durban, South Africa on Human Rights Day in conjunction with "Shadows in the Rainbow":


"Shadows in the Rainbow" Gay and Lesbian Project is of the view that human rights violations in South Africa and throughout Africa result from the continent's economic oppression and poverty, together with a traditional patriarchal culture. The vulnerability of women, children, and people of sexual minorities makes them susceptible to the ventilation of stress from the straight male black majority who face poverty and an inferiority complex.

Thus to address the problem of human rights violations regarding freedom of self expression and sexual orientation, gay activists must not neglect the economic oppression, patriarchy, and traditions of African cultures, from which we believe the problem emanates: this must be our point of departure.

Our Vision:

"Shadows in the Rainbow" Gay and Lesbian Project wants to be at the forefront of African gay struggles. As South African gay activists, "Shadows in the Rainbow" wants to eradicate homophobia and heterosexism through interventions and projects, primarily in areas where there is poor LGBTQ representation. "Shadows in the Rainbow" wants to unite the African LGBTQ community of all races, reducing the tensions found within the community. We want to locate gay activism in the context of the larger African people’s struggle, without excluding the agency and input of the overall LGBTQ community.

The Picnic:
The picnic was the first event of the joint venture between KZN LGBT Recreation and "Shadows In the Rainbow". It could not have come at a better time, when Africa is seeing the worst ever homophobic attacks, of which many remain unaware. This picnic saw the coming together of parents of gay children, friends, lovers, and activists to find our place as gay people within Africa. Grassroot problems of coming-out, right through to cultural issues were discussed in depth, and from these discussions future actions were identified, including documentaries and films to educate the general public about gay culture, and group coming- out campaigns. It was a memorable event indeed and milestone into creating dialogue amongst LGBTQI people.

Gay Games a symbol as Cleveland prepares to offer health care to domestic partners of city employees

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman says he has enough support for an ordinance he introduced Monday night that will give health care benefits to domestic partners of city employees.

But he said he also knows it will be a hard sell to those councilmen who oppose the plan.

About 120 unmarried couples are on the city's domestic partner registry, which was first made available in May 2009. Those registering had to show they were sharing expenses on a long-term basis, such as a mortgage or utility bills, to ensure their authenticity.

[...]

Cimperman said major firms like the Cleveland Clinic and Medical Mutual already offer health care to their domestic partner employees, and he said the city should follow suit. He also said 21 states, 404 Fortune 1000 companies and about 4,000 other private firms, nonprofits and unions provide the same benefits.

"There's no reason this ordinance shouldn't pass," he said. "Cleveland has the four best health systems in the country in the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, MetroHealth and St. Vincent, plus we have the Gay Games coming here in 2014 with over 50,000 visitors coming to our city."

Cimperman also said health care for domestic partners will not cost taxpayers because it cuts down on uninsured care, and it also helps the city in its efforts to recruit employees.

"Plus, if health care is a human right, passing this is the right thing to do," Cimperman said.

New issue of EGLSF newsletter published

Click HERE to read or download the latest issue of the newsletter of the European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation.

Updates on young athlete blogs

On "Craig's Gay Word", we note (h/t Outsports), a great post on the reasons to come out to your coach, which begins:

It may seem unimaginable, why would you want to come out to your coach? In talking with my peers that I counsel, a coach’s reaction to learning we are gay is a common fear – and not without reason. Especially amongst male teams, a fog of homophobia has fallen and severed relationships between coaches and athletes. Some coaches are homophobic and others are macho-centric; most are relatively indifferent coaches simply trying to help. It is important to differentiate between the three, as only one “type” of coach really poses a threat – and I use the word type loosely as I find it best not to categorize people. Yet more often than not, our coaches fall into the latter two categories and honestly just want to help – with our sport that is.

"the Road" continues to offer thoughtful posts from Brad, Robert and Ben, most of which have nothing to do with being gay, which is great, too. Part of the oppression of being in the closet is letting your sexual orientation define you, and part of being involved in LGBT sport and culture is finding an environment where you can develop other parts of your identity. But here's an extract from a post by Brad on his school's reaction to his coming out:

What I am trying to say here is that people shouldn’t let being gay define them. I never have and never will, it is just one of the many things that make me who I am today. Everyone needs to find that thing that makes unique and different. This thing should be something that you are inspired to do through the good as well as the bad times. You should want to be the very best and even dream about achieving the perfect scenario.

Growing up I always thought that the one thing I wanted to be the best in would be some sport. Through the past few years my drive has changed though. Instead of devoting all of my effort into running, which I still love, I have begun putting a lot of my free time into student government at my school. So I hope everyone is able to find that one thing that keeps them going. I know I have.

10 April 2011 / Blake Skjellerup to speak at New Zealand youth group event

Find out more about Q-Youth in Nelson, New Zealand HERE.

National radio program focuses on "sport and homophobia: an enduring taboo"

This morning's edition of documentary program Interception on leading national radio network France Inter focused on the theme of "sport and homophobia: an enduring taboo".

The program covers a wide variety of issues, including the recent commitment of the French ministry of sport to fight homophobia by and within sport. Among those interviewed are Christelle Foucault, president of FSGL.

You can find the program on the website of France Inter HERE, or listen on our player below:

En français / Emission sur France Inter sur l'homosexualité et le sport, avec Christelle Foucault, présidente de la FSGL

Le thème de l'émission de France Inter, Interception, de ce jour a été "Sport et homophobie : le tabou persiste". Parmi les intervenants, Christelle Foucault, présidente de la FSGL, organisation membre de la Fédération internationale des Gay Games.

Ci dessous la présentation de l'émission, que vous pouvez retrouver sur le site de France Inter ICI, ou écouter sur notre lecteur ci dessous :



Peut-on vivre ouvertement son homosexualité quand on est sportif amateur ou professionnel ? La réponse à cette question, simple en apparence, devrait aller de soi et être positive. Pourtant, très peu de sportifs de haut niveau osent afficher leur homosexualité. Dans le sport amateur, il n’est pas forcément plus aisé de révéler son orientation sexuelle. La force des préjugés, l’homophobie ouverte ou latente qui règne encore dans certains sports comme dans l’ensemble de la société, les pressions discrètes des partenaires commerciaux font que les sportifs homosexuels préfèrent se taire.

Pour une Amélie Mauresmo ou un Gareth Thomas, une des stars du rugby gallois qui a révélé son homosexualité en toute fin de carrière, combien de sportifs gardent le silence et, souvent, en souffrent ?

Car les sportifs homosexuels existent. On estime qu’ils doivent être en proportion équivalente à celle des homosexuels dans l’ensemble de la population, soit environ 10%. Des clubs amateurs accueillent ouvertement des adhérents qui ne veulent pas pratiquer leur sport en cachant leur orientation sexuelle. Dans certains sports, des professionnels vivent ouvertement leur homosexualité sans problème. Le ministère de la Jeunesse et des Sports invite les Fédérations à signer une charte contre l’homophobie et a mis en place un observatoire qui doit rendre un premier rapport en avril. Les choses bougent, mais trop lentement, expliquent les sportifs et responsables associatifs interrogés par Nour-Eddine Zidane.

Dates set for Paris FARE meeting

Following the wish expressed in May 2010 by French Secretary of State for Sport Rama Yade to host a coming meeting of Football Against Racism in Europe, dates have been set for the next meeting, with a focus on communication.

The meeting will take place 13-15 May 2011, and will include attendance at the finals of the French Division I football league.

More info on FARE can be found HERE.

GayCities: A look back at 10 August 2010

GayCities Europe editor Paul Brummitt was at Gay Games VIII in Cologne, where he competed in the triathlon. This comes from his last dispatch for GayCities:
As the GayGames drew to a close, a few traditions just had to be honored, especially Pink Flamingo, where swim teams compete to provide the campiest show.

It’s hysterical fun in the sun. Four teams entered under the theme of “Carneval in Kölle”–loosely translated as Mardi Gras in Cologne. Every February Cologne hosts the biggest party of the year where even the straightest men get to do drag without fear of ridicule. This is the gay version of straight male drag, if you can picture it.

Read in full HERE.

Sin City Pose Down

The Bodybuilding Guild wants to get your input on whether it should hold a Bodybuilding competition in Las Vegas, Nevada USA on the weekend of 13-15 January 2012. This competition would be a part of a relatively new gay multi-sports festival that to be held each year in early January.

More than 2000 gay athletes registered for the event this year.

Do you think the Body Building Guild should support the addition of Bodybuilding to the schedule in 2012? Let us know by emailing us at rcavaler@gaygames.org and put "Sin City Pose Down" in the subject line.

Cleveland rated one of top 20 United State cities for strong recovery

From CNBC.com, an analysis by "best places" expert Bert Sperling of US cities with great potential for recovery and growth:

The Good: Cleveland has a lot to offer: Great colleges, medical schools and health resources, superb arts and cultural institutions and a full slate of sports teams, Sperling said.

The Recovery: Cleveland is experiencing one of the strongest recoveries in the U.S., according to a report late last year from the Brookings Institution and the London School of Economics. The basis of the report was annual growth in employment and per-capita income. In fact, Ohio overall has one of the fastest-growing economies of all the states, according to the Federal Reserve.

En español: Directora de IGLFA Visita Instalaciones para Mundial LGBTI

Via RadarG, news from Mexico City about the 2012 IGLFA World Championships:

Kimberly Hadley, directora de Torneos Femeniles y Arbitraje de la International Gay and Lesbian Football Association visitó la Ciudad Universitaria este martes 22 de marzo, a fin de decidir sobre las instalaciones propuestas para la sede del Mundial de Fútbol IGLFA 2012.

Por ser patrimonio cultural de la humanidad, y por la importancia que tiene la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México en la juventud de nuestro país, y por el interés que ha generado la propuesta al interior de las organizaciones estudiantiles que promueven el respeto a la diversidad, se ha considerado al Estadio Olímpico Universitario como el escenario ideal para llevar a cabo la inauguración del Campeonato Mundial IGLFA México 2012.

Además del aspecto deportivo, la visita de Kimberly ha demostrado de la realidad de tener una Ciudad de México segura, ya que una de las preocupaciones principales de IGLFA y de los equipos participantes es el crimen que muchos medios a nivel mundial afirman que existe en nuestro país.

Asimismo, Kimberly ha visitado a las autoridades de turismo de la Ciudad de México, y ha conocido a personalidades, empresas, instituciones y organizaciones interesadas en apoyar la realización del Mundial de la Diversidad en México.

También ha tenido la oportunidad de conocer lugares turísticos. El Ángel de la Independencia, el Zócalo, Zona Rosa, entre otros lugares. Finalmente, este miércoles 23 quedó impresionada con la majestuosidad, elegancia y festividad que se aprecia cada semana en el Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández.

Este viernes 25 en punto de las 11 horas, IGLFA y el TRI GAY ofrecerán una conferencia de prensa para dar a conocer los pormenores de la candidatura de sede del Campeonato Mundial IGLFA México 2012, y las observaciones que Kimberly llevará al Comité Directivo de IGLFA.

El lugar de la conferencia de prensa está por confirmar, esperamos todo el apoyo de los medios de comunicación, a fin de que IGLFA conozca el interés que el fútbol de la diversidad ha generado en nuestro país, y esto contribuya a la obtención de la sede.

16 April 2011 / Register NOW for Coady Classic basketball tournament in Chicago

The Coady Roundball Classic, named after friend of the Gay Games Sam Coady, will take place from 16-17 April in Chicago. Registration at the earlybird rate of USD 75 closes today, so register now!

For more information and to register, visit the event website HERE.

Hudson Taylor on MSNBC

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

High school basketball player tells her coming out story

From Emma Delsohn's story in Outsports:

I am now a senior, and just finished my last season of basketball as team captain. I am fully out at my school, and speak openly and often about my sexuality and the need for widespread acceptance of LGBT teenagers. My basketball teammates continues to be my closest friends, and some of the most supportive people in my life. Mary-Kate has graduated, and now plays college basketball, but I remember the way she accepted me as a sophomore and try to mirror that open-mindedness in all that I do. I am thrilled that all the younger players have followed her example -- I often ask my team for dating advice, which is always received with excitement and fascination. Truly, though, the most rewarding part of sharing my sexuality with them is the genuine acceptance in their eyes. It's as if they were talking about the newest Ke$ha single: natural, and easy.

I spent three years in the closet. I know the fear every gay teenager faces right before they come out to someone important to them -- I felt it in that gym. Fortunately, I was greeted with the love every family should give to one another, and therefore will never regret my decision to tell my team when I did. If I could offer anything to the LGBT community, it would be to take a deep breath and be exactly who you are to those who matter. You might be surprised at the response.

Read the full story HERE.

Southern California Wrestling Club profiled

From an article in the West Hollywood Patch on Wrestlers Without Borders member Southern California Wrestling Club:

When I recently learned that West Hollywood was home to “one of the oldest freestyle wrestling clubs in California for the LGBT community and friends,” as it describes itself, I was skeptical.

As someone who competed in wrestling at the collegiate and senior freestyle levels not long before I came out as a gay man in 1972, I figured a “gay wrestling club” was more about men seeking cheap thrills than about serious athletics. Nothing wrong with that—gay men have the right to grapple with one another, whatever the intent—but I doubted such a group would make respect for the sport a top priority.

Mea culpa.

One visit to a Southern California Wrestling Club (SCWC) workout and I was convinced that it was the real thing. Its members seem to have genuine deference toward a sport with origins in ancient Greece—one that today produces serious injuries second only in number to football, per a study reported in 2009.

Keep reading HERE.

Hudson Taylor to appear on MSNBC tomorrow

Fresh from the PFLAG Straight for Equality awards, Hudson Taylor will be interviewed today (Thursday) by Thomas Roberts at 11:30am EST on MSNBC.

Hudson Taylor at PFLAG Straight for Equality awards

From Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays:

A great time was had by all when PFLAG National held its third annual Straight for Equality Awards Gala on Monday, March 14 at the Marriott Marquis Times Square in New York City.

PFLAG members from around the country were in attendance -- along with PFLAG National board members, attendees from national corporate sponsors and partners -- to honor four very special allies: Straight For Equality in Entertainment award winner actress Rosie Perez (DO THE RIGHT THING, FEARLESS), Straight for Equality in Sports award recipient, champion college wrestler-turned-coach Hudson Taylor, the first-ever Straight for Equality in Literature award winner best-selling author Charlaine Harris (The SOOKIE STACKHOUSE series, basis for the HBO series TRUE BLOOD), and the Straight for Equality in Business award recipient, Financial services leader MetLife, represented by Chief Diversity Officer Lynne DiStasio.


Comedian and comedy writer Carol Leifer (MODERN FAMILY, SEINFELD) hosted the evening and multi-platinum-selling, five-time Grammy-nominated artist Michael Feinstein kept the nearly 500 attendees entertained. Also appearing were The Broadway Boys, actor/activist Wilson Cruz (MY SO-CALLED LIFE, RENT) and Clare Buffie, reigning Miss New York, top 12 runner-up in the Miss America pageant, and the first to run on a GLBT equality platform.

This was our most exciting Straight for Equality gala to date, a stirring celebration of straight allies from different backgrounds, and with different experiences in moving the cause of GLBT equality forward. We had young athlete Hudson Taylor speaking out for inclusiveness in sports – having just started his own non-profit organization, Athlete Ally – standing alongside business giant MetLife, whose work for full inclusiveness and equality in the workplace has been a model for other corporations. And Charlaine Harris took on the cause for GLBT equality in her books years ago, long before the subject was headline news, while Rosie Perez is making news with her outspoken stance on marriage equality, and the support of the Latino community for GLBT rights. It was a truly unique evening – there’s no other event that celebrates such a diverse array of straight allies.