Tag: LGBT athletes

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Olympic champion Brian Boitano comes out in a statement on being appointed to Olympic delegation

Brian Boitano, Olympic champion, came out in a press release regarding his appointment to the Sochi Olympic US delegation

“I am currently skating in Europe but want to provide a statement regarding my appointment to the Olympic delegation. I have been fortunate to represent the United States of America in three different Olympics, and now I am honored to be part of the presidential delegation to the Olympics in Sochi. It has been my experience from competing around the world and in Russia that Olympic athletes can come together in friendship, peace and mutual respect regardless of their individual country’s practices.

“It is my desire to be defined by my achievements and my contributions. While I am proud to play a public role in representing the American Olympic Delegation as a former Olympic athlete, I have always reserved my private life for my family and friends and will continue to do so. I am many things: a son, a brother, and uncle, a friend, an athlete, a cook, an author, and being gay is just one part of who I am.

“First and foremost I am an American athlete and I am proud to live in a country that encourages diversity, openness and tolerance. As an athlete, I hope we can remain focused on the Olympic spirit which celebrates achievement in sport by peoples of all nations.” – Olympic champion Brian Boitano

(via press release)

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Holiday video: All Chicago Gay Hockey Assn “All I Want For Christmas”

Very cute video from the players of the CGHA.  What they might lack in musical skills they more than make up for in their sense of fun.  AND they have a very special holiday message for you!

We want you to put aside your differences. And to spend some time getting closer to your family and friends. If you take a step back and look, you may surprise yourself with how much you have in common with people. The person next to you on the train could become your best friend. After all, aren’t we all just looking for love? Don’t forget to laugh a little. And sing a little. Happy Holidays y’all!

The Chicago Gay Hockey Association (CGHA) is Chicago’s Official gay hockey organization. You can follow them on Twitter @ChiGayHockey

Their mission is to provide a non-discriminatory environment within the hockey community. They invite all people with a passion for ice hockey — novice or pro, male or female, straight or gay — to contact them, learn to skate, play on a team, volunteer for social events, come to the games, and join the organization.

I think they look like a lot of fun.

(h/t Towleroad)

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Diana Nyad, 64, makes history as first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without shark cage

Rainbow flags flying in the wind and cheers on the beach as openly lesbian Diana Nyad made history as the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a protective shark cage.

From Advocate:

Nyad, 64, walked onto Smather’s Beach on her own, completing the 110 mile swim from Cuba to Florida that she had tried to make four times before. She broke the first record early Monday morning for having gone further than anyone else. When the crowd quieted its cheering, she told them, “We should never ever give up.”

The swimmer’s team reports that she completed the trip in 52 hours, 54 minutes and 18.6 seconds. She used no protective shark cage. Nyad first tried back in 1978, but enormous waves forced her to quit after 42 hours. When she tried in 2011, Nyad said she “hadn’t swum a stroke for 31 years.” In 2012 she made it 41 miles before hypothermia, storms, and jellyfish stings forced her to abandon the effort. Still, she set out for one last try, leaving from Cuba on Saturday morning for the fifth time.

“I’ve got three messages,” Nyad said of her accomplishment in a short speech on the shore, according to video from CNN. “One is, we should never ever give up. Two is, you never are too old to chase your dreams. Three is, it looks like a solitary sport but it’s a team.”

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Nike unveils Gay Pride sneaker – the #BeTrue Free Run 5.0

Nike goes a step further in it’s support for the LGBT community. Presenting the Gay Pride Sneaker – the #BeTrue Free Run 5.0 – inspired by and supporting the LGBT community, released in time for gay pride season.

From the Advocate:

Profits of #BeTrue sales will go to the LGBT Sports Coalition, which has set the goal to end the practice of anti-LGBT discrimination in sport by 2016.

The sneaker promises a glove-like fit, with a barefoot running feel.

In addition to the shoe, the collection includes sandals, graphic t’s and tanks, and an iPhone 5 case.

Check out the entire #BeTrue Collection by clicking here.

Nike is the sponsor of the second annual LGBT Sports Summit next week in Portland, Ore., which brings together leaders from across the LGBT sports movement to figure out how we can all work together toward common goals.

Nike, in addition to its 15-year relationship with LGBT organizations and supporting equality in sport, sponsors top WNBA draft pick and out athlete Brittney Griner and out NBA veteran Jason Collins.

Nike releases the #BeTrue Free Run 5.0 inspired by the LGBT community and Gay Pride
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Is Robbie Rogers the 1st openly gay MLS player?

According to the AP, out gay footballer Robbie Rogers will be returning to professional soccer, joining the LA Galaxy and becoming the first openly gay athlete to play in the MLS:

“I don’t know what I was so afraid of,” Rogers said Friday. “It’s been such a positive experience for me. The one thing I’ve learned from all of this is being gay is not that big of a deal to people.”

“People are just really growing and accepting and loving,” he added. “Those other things are just not that important to them. I think as the younger get older and the generations come and go, I think times are just becoming more accepting.”

Rumors of Rogers return began when Robbie recently trained with the Galaxy.
Outstanding news.  Congrats to Robbie!

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Is out soccer player Robbie Rogers planning his return to the game?

Robbie Rogers, pro soccer player who retired and came “out” last February looks like he’s testing the waters in terms of a return to the “beautiful game” by currently training with the LA Galaxy.

Perhaps with the huge support Jason is seeing, Rogers may be rethinking the retirement thing.

Regarding Jason Collins’ recent coming out, Robbie said:

“I think I was surprised like everyone else. Obviously, I know what it is like going through being gay and being a professional athlete and being closeted and all the emotions and all the thoughts that go through your mind. I don’t know him, but I was very happy and proud for him.

“But most of all, I was happy that our society gave him such a positive response including athletes from all over the world on Twitter. Society is really changing, people are moving along and accepting gay athletes and I think more athletes will follow in his footsteps.

“We will see what happens, but it is definitely a positive step. You can’t just say to someone, ‘Come out, come out,’ it really depends on them.”