It’s interesting that we read more and more on Outsports of gay college and high school athletes, or athletes in the ‘smaller’ sports or playing in lower level leagues–we read about these people coming out on a regular basis. It’s remarkable how these people have been able to show a higher level of courage than some of the older and more experienced professionals.

I think we should let these prospective gay athletes know that they will be supported and will help them. Because in the end we all benefit every time a gay person (in any occupation) comes out and shows themselves to be an upstanding member of society.

Just like someone mentioned when schools had to be integrated. Yelling “change is hard” is a piss-poor, lazy attitude. Sure, you may want to wait a while for things to get slightly better. But things dont’ get better by waiting. Things get better by doing it.

To any gay athlete reading this, come out already. You’d have my immortal support. Additionally, it’s the only way anything will change. You can’t hope for miracles; you have to make them.

It would be great for the movement, but great for the athlete? That’s less certain.

What is certain is that homophobia exists in sports to a much greater degree than in many other fields. No one is a coward because they don’t want to subject themselves to harassment for the good of the gay cause.

Makes it easier for the next person. Those who integrated schools weren’t treated so well, but it’s still good that they did it.

You can scream and cry and kick but until the top people-WITH the power-do anything…it’s same old same old…

Anyhow, Amechi seems REALLY conservative anyhow and somehow, I don’t think Gareth Thomas is….I think he’s left to the centre..

And as an English bloke? The football league in the UK is VICOUS.

But it pays to keep Amaechi and Max Clifford in work if you have closeted sports players.

Outsports is a form of activism because it changes minds. Why is activist considered a dirty word? Jesus was an activist. Buddha was an activist. I guess Don Amaechi could be considered a fear and shame activist.

Meanwhile, considering that there was a photo of John and his Penn State boyfriend posted on to the old Outsports message board years ago, (which no one forwarded to the media by the way) I wonder how much he was actually in the closet. And considering the monetary factor, is he afraid that he will no longer be the “only out” gay athlete. I’m sure Gareth Thomas has already cut into his speaking engagement hustle. I say keep quiet if all you can do is promote your own agenda.

At least that’s what I take from the courageous Brendan Burke… by coming out and having his father, Brian, publically support him was a huge step in the right direction.

Together – both athletes and management – can help change the face of homophobia in sport.