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Super Bowl Tackles Homophobia: How Both Teams Engaged in a National Dialogue

This year the Super Bowl teams found themselves in the middle of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender) equality debate.

 

This year the Super Bowl teams found themselves in the middle of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender) equality debate. 

It seems that this discussion stems from Baltimore Ravens player Brendon Ayanbadejo’s vocal support of marriage equality this past election cycle. He said, “It's a matter of fairness. This is why I'm asking Marylanders to join me in supporting marriage equality for same-sex couples." (http://www.freedomtomarry.org/blog/entry/video-maryland-house-begins-debate-on-marriage-bill-today-more-voices-urge)

Yet with progress there is push back. 

San Francisco 49ers player Chris Culliver said in an interview: "I don't do the gay guys man... I don't do that. No, we don't got no gay people on the team, they gotta get up out of here if they do....Can't be with that sweet stuff. Nah...can't be...in the locker room man.”  (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--report--niners-cb-says-openly-gay-players-would-not-be-welcomed-on-the-team-190346715.html

And two other 49er players denounced doing an “It Gets Better” video, saying they didn’t know it was against LGBT bullying. (http://boston.barstoolsports.com/m/random-thoughts/the-49ers-made-an-it-gets-better-video-for-gay-kids-only-the-guys-in-it-deny-they-did-it/

The actions of these three 49ers players are a reminder that there is much work to do when it comes to full LGBT inclusion in our sports institutions. In a broader sense, this indicates that there is sitll a stigma attached to LGBT people being fully out and heterosexual allies speaking out for LGBT equality and inclusion. 

Tragically, to this day, the locker room is a place of fear for many LGBT youth and athletes. In high school, I remember dreading going down into the locker room to get ready for PE (Physical Education). I felt unsafe because it was a place I would be freely harassed. And unfortunately my experience is not unique. 

The amount of mental and emotional energy LGBT youth and athletes expend enduring bullying, and being forced to stay closeted, could be used to take more AP classes, learn an instrument, or to perfect their sport techniques. I often wonder, how much productivity is lost because of the hatred LGBT people face on a daily basis?

What is promising is that there is burgeoning support from heterosexual professional athletes and coaches. Hudson Taylor Executive Director of Athlete Ally writes: 

“ We're seeing more and more NFL players take a stand against homophobia in sports through our organization and we know that support at this level is only going to grow. Athlete Ally's NFL Ambassadors Brendon Ayanbadejo of the AFC Champion Baltimore Ravens, Chris Kluwe of the Minnesota Vikings and Scott Fujita of the Cleveland Browns connect our organization and the NFL, help promote the mission to end homophobia in sports by speaking out to their teams, leagues and fan bases, and encourage their colleagues to join in the effort. It's clear by their involvement and the incredible support they are receiving from NFL fans across the country that discrimination is on the fringe and has absolutely no place in sports." (http://www.athleteally.com/blog/entry/athlete-ally-response-to-homophobic-comments-by-san-francisco-49er

Taking this discussion back to NY----NY Giants tight-end Matellus Bennett tweeted in response to this Cuillver’s statement: “I don't know why guys even say this stuff. There's definitely at least one or two gay guys on every team. Who cares? If someone can play ball, let em play." (http://www.giants101.com/2013/01/31/new-york-giants-martellus-bennett-theres-definitely-one-or-two-gay-guys-on-every-team/

Yes, Mr. Bennet, we should let them play. And while we are at it, we should work to create a society where they can play openly without fear of harassment, discrimination, violence, or retribution.  

Here’s to the tide changing. 

For more information on Athlete ally visit: http://athleteally.org

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Allison Miller May 19, 2013 at 09:47 pm
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Lalaine Diin May 19, 2013 at 09:34 pm
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tylera peri May 19, 2013 at 09:41 pm
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Heywood Jablohme May 18, 2013 at 07:17 am
What professional doesn't spend $500 per year on out of pocket expenses related to their jobs?Read More Staples offering 10% (or 5 in some cases) is hardly an example of the community getting involved. Thankfully, there are other examples of the community and PTA's getting involved and providing needed services. Clarkstown and surrounding areas hardly have substantial unmet needs in their classroom, thankfully.
Truth4all May 16, 2013 at 11:37 am
I guess better late than never. LaCorte is serving his 4th year as Mayor and was Trustee for I thinkRead More 4 years before that. This year is the only time he has brought the idea to the village about participating in this program. He is motivated by the opportunity of getting positive press for his County Executive campaign. The village should have been involved in this program ( as well as the Americorps program) long before this. On a positive note, hopefully the Village will continue this worthwhile partnership for many years to come.
Sunny May 16, 2013 at 03:50 pm
Is there an article on patch about it? I am unable to find except on lohud.com
Green Farmer May 15, 2013 at 08:23 pm
Finally!!
b May 15, 2013 at 07:31 pm
Thank God. It's been a long time coming. Finally someone has paid attention.!!! That man has gotRead More to go.
Watchdog May 16, 2013 at 04:37 pm
George, don't you have enough to do straightening out the affairs of Clarkstown. Overtime in theRead More Police Department is rampant and the Town Attorney is out of control. As Tom Nimick says, we need an outside auditor for that operation since taxpayers were abused with the hiring of a political operative Jay Savino who I understand is singing like a canary. Get on the right side George before the FBI comes a lookin" I hear that the Gromack war chest is the first place they are looking for clues. Do the right thing George or you will get trampled with the rest of them.
Tom Nimick May 15, 2013 at 11:12 pm
Congratulations, George. Now about your other responsibilities as a member of the Town Board withRead More primary oversight over budget and expenditures: Won't you be the one to propose the needed audit of the Office of Town Attorney? You know the problems exist - likely you know more about the problems than I do. It is sad to see you silent in the face of the abuse of patronage. When will we hear your voice on it?