Sport GAYmes

With the 2012 Olympic Games just around the corner (27 July 2012), I decided that a gay related sports post would be perfect. Many of us enjoy the Olympics- it's a time to support your country, watch endless amounts of your favorite sports and occasionally to stare at the hunks or babes playing the sports.What ever your reason may be, I have found a new reason (if possible) to watch the 2012 Olympic Games. Matthew Mitcham. That's my reason. Not making sense? Let me explain...

Matthew Mitcham is an openly-gay Australian gold-medal diver. In 2008 Mitcham won the gold medal for the 10m platform dive. Not only did he win the gold- he also received the highest single-dive score in Olympic history. (When we gays do something we always do it over the top). Mitcham will be competing in this years Olympic Games and will be the reason I am glued to the diving during the 2012 O.G.

(Above: Matthew Mitcham)

I have tremendous amounts of respect for openly gay athletes. In a field that can be very competitive and physically demanding- being open can make an athlete extremely vulnerable to the malicious critics out there. Their reward is in knowing that other LGBT athletes can dream bigger, now that they have paved the road less traveled. Gareth Thomas (Welsh professional rugby player), Anton Hysén (Swedish footballer), Matthew Mitcham (Australian diver) and many more are leading examples of just what possibilities await future LGBT athletes. These men are veterans in their sports and are proof that sexual preference is completely irrelevant when playing a sport. 

(Left: Anton Hysén. Right: Gareth Thomas)

Campaigns such as the "You Can Play Project" and "The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation" all combat homophobia and bullying in sports. The aim is no longer to keep your secret in order to play the sport, but rather to play the sport without any secrets or regrets. There is one site in particular I frequented whilst closeted and coming to terms with my sexuality- Outsports . I surprisingly found the link to the first article I read on Outsports- and to prove its authenticity there is a comment made by Gregory (being myself) expressing my opinions on the article dated 2011-09-11. Here's the link to Greg's first Outsport article. 

 (Above: Ben Cohen: Former England rugby union international player and his campaign)

Why not have a Gay Olympics? You may ask. We do have a "Gay Olympics". Two in fact. The World Outgames which will be held in Antwerp, Belgium (2013) and the Gay Games which will be hosted in Cleveland, USA (2014). They're both sporting/ cultural events hosted by the gay community to bring together gay athletes from around the world to compete. It's important we show the world that our community is not sport inadequate and that we are just as capable at pursuing sports we enjoy.

Final Thought: 

Support is essential in a community such as ours. If you're a gay athlete or even a sport fanatic reading this- know that you're not alone. Passion, dedication and fulfillment are what makes a successful athlete. Never doubt yourself- you can be a professional that happens to be gay. If you don't believe me ask Gareth Thomas, Anton Hysén or Matthew Mitchum.

Check out the "Ben Cohen interview" video or Gareth Thomas' "It gets better" video below:

Image Source: Google

Video Source: YouTube

Should any of these videos/images belong to you and you wish to have them removed- please notify The Righteous Gay immediately.

Also The Righteous Gay will not be held accountable should you click into any external links provided- you do so at own risk.

 

The Gay 5

Today I have decided to post something of more personal value. They are what I like to call

 The Gay 5. 

"Who are The Gay 5? " you're probably asking. They are the Top 5 most influential gay people in my life. Everyone of them have had a positive impact on me, and today I wish to share them with you out there.

5. Harvey Milk (May 22, 1930 – November 27, 1978) Famous Gay Politician

 

(Left: Harvey Milk; Right: Sean Penn as Harvey Milk in "Milk")  

 Although alive only before I was born- Milks contribution to the LGBT community still lives on. I was first introduced to this figure whilst watching the 2008 film Milk ,starring Sean Penn, late one evening (as not to be seen by the family). I was so influenced by the film- I decided to do more research on Harvey Milk. Milk gave me so much hope... Hope that some day I could be openly gay role model such as himself. 

4. Gareth Thomas: Openly Gay Rugby Player

 Rugby is a national sport in my country. So it should come as no surprise that Thomas would be one of the most influential gay people in my life. Not only is rugby a very physical sport, it can be a very homophobic one too- which makes Gareth Thomas a real man amongst the rest for coming out whilst playing the sport. Thomas' actions stood brave and courageous to me- and were my source of courage when I came out.

3. Ellen Degeneres Gay Icon/ Comedian

 Who isn't inspired by Ellen? Ellen has become a household name worldwide. Her talk show has surpassed all expectations and her acts of kindness can reduce anyone to tears. Ellen is openly gay- and has been an inspiration to millions of people, becoming one of the most iconic gay woman to date. She is walking proof that sexual orientation is so irrelevant when it comes to success. She rightfully deserves 3rd place, and I rightfully deserve a ticket to her show now...

2. Jay and Bryan Leffew:  Gay Family Values Blog Masterminds

  
(Above: The Leffew family, Below: Jay and Bryan Leffew)

 In second place are Bryan and Jay. Although not one person, they are a couple and therefore can be seen as a single entity. I can distinctly remember the late evening I was on YouTube when I came across the wedding video of these two gentleman. My heart sank and eyes poured. It was probably the first time I had ever seen two men dancing hand-in-hand. I clicked on the link to their YouTube channel and have had eyes glued to their blog ever since! In January I contacted them (via email) expressing how they reassured me about my decision to come out and how amazing I thought their story was- and like true blogger masterminds they replied! I have now dubbed their family "The Incredibles" - because of their superhero status to me.

1.Lance Weyer  Mr Gay South Africa 2011

 He isn't any household name, a famous politician or sports star and nor does he run a blog that brings tears to my eyes- but I believe that is what sets him apart from all above. Lance is someone I can relate to. He was appointed the gay ambassador of South Africa for the year I decided to come out (this year) and has been successful thus far. One of his main aims was to address LGBT youth- and help them. Personally I would say Lance has done a greater job at reaching out to the public and youth than any previous gay ambassadors have. He thus deserves top position, making Lance Weyer the most influential gay person in my life.

 Final Thought:

The people above may have no impact on your life, or perhaps they do. I believe it is important to have a  Gay 5 ! We cannot be expected to go through life without any form of guidance, and in a situation where there seems to be nobody to turn to- there are icons, celebrities and sport stars out there that may fit the mold. They may not be a shoulder to cry on or a helping hand but they are living proof that things do get better. Think of your five. Who are they? Follow them on twitter, send them an email or just read up about them. Sometimes when you're coming out it's great to know what possibilities may await you...

PHOTOS SOURCE: GOOGLE

(If any of these should belong to you and you wish to have them removed please notify The Righteous Gay)