Lately, there seems to be an increase in LGBT discussions
within the sports world. LZ Granderson, a reporter for ESPN, openly declared
his sexual preferences. Jared Max has also come out to fans. Thomas Hitzlsperger,
following athletic leaders like Robbie Rodgers, has stepped out of the closet.
So it is natural that a young man waiting to be drafted would also come out.
When Michael Sam came out to his team, most of the players
already knew. They had an idea, brought about by Michael’s relationship with a
member of the swim team. When he talked to his agents Joe Barkett and Cameron
Weiss, they expressed their support. They told him to make this decision regardless
of the pressure one way or another from others. So last Sunday, Michael stepped
out into the public as an openly gay man.
Now the media has been exploring this new story. In scanning
the pages of the internet, most of these responses have been positive. Online
sources like outsports.com have complemented Michael Sam on his bravery. Other
news sources, like the Washington Post and ESPN, have called him brave.
It’s great to know that declaring your sexuality doesn’t
immediately result in a backlash from the media. It’s even better to realize
that most of these news sources have been commenting on the bravery and courage
of Michael Sam. However, this focus seems a bit strange. Not all people who
come out of the closet are positively identified as brave – Just Michael Sam.
Even then, it’s suspected that he’ll soon receive negative comments.
This is not a surprising guess. Some would argue that
Michael’s decision to come out was semi-forced. Reporters from sport news
sources had been sniffing around his trail for a few months now, trying to
discover the answer to questions about his sexuality. Was this truly his
decision? Or did Michael come out, knowing that it’s better to control the
situation himself rather than let others control it for him.
An interesting point to note on this is the frequent
inclusion of his stats as a football player near the quotes which identify him
as homosexual. These stats can be seen as positive or negative. Player’s stats
are often discussed whenever the player is mentioned. The inclusion of
Michael’s stats in these articles means that he is still regarded as a valuable
asset. This would mean that the statistics can be seen as positive. However, maybe
they should be regarded as anomalous. Every player’s stats and sexuality are not
examined and reported. Only the players who are publicly not heterosexual.
Here are a few links to the main articles I have found. Look
to them, and see for yourselves:
Thought this event was relevant. Unfortunately, it starts while we're still in class, but maybe encourage others to go...
ReplyDeleteSafe Zones and Student Leaders!
You’re invited to join
Kye Allums
(the first "out" transgender NCAA Division I athlete)
to discuss ways Rhodes can become more trans-friendly.
Feb 18th
3:00 to 4:00 pm
Barrett 051