Many thanks for your editorial help Suss!

Doesn't the WNBA have a fair amount of openly gay athletes relative to professional sports? I'm straight and not much of a sports follower, but that's the imprression I get.

I think it's good that we don't tie athleticism into sexuality as much as we used to - if a woman liked sports she "must be gay," and if a man didn't care for sports he "must be gay." Those are outmoded stereotypes.

great article, Jet

Thanks Chantal, believe it or not you can thank Suss for it. This and it's companion article used to be one big one that he suggested that I rearrange and it works much better that way.

I'm glad you enjoyed it, it means a lot to me coming from you and you already know that.

Solus mei sententia
Jet

Sister Ray, yes it does, but the article is so long now that I had to make cuts somewhere.


Perhaps in the sequel?

Thanks for your imput sweetie

Solus mei sententia
Jet

WOW! Such an impressive, factual, balanced, informative and refreshing piece. 90 percent of our clientele are GLBT people. I'd like to be able to link to your story from our blog.

You have enlightened me about the contributions of many pro athletes and illuminated the, often tragic, results of a GLBTi athlete's life led in darkness and secrecy. Thanks for the great read.

Thanks Savvy feel free, and let me know how it goes.
Jet

Great article Jet!

I'm now less ignorant.

Thanks Q, I appreciate the encouragement!

As you can tell by the photos of the footballers (excuse the pun) the gay ones are rarely the ones you'd expect them to be. Makes you wonder about the current players doesn't it.

here's the savvy plannerslink, Jet.

Thanks,

Marcinho

I'm honored and grateful Savvy... Jet

Interesting that you'd use Esera Tuaolo's photo for the link, I'd have gone with Dave Kopay, but then we all have different ideas of what a hunk is... ha ha

Thanks again

TOO Funny! I chose Mr. Tuaolo because his name has been in the media most recently (Dang those "Kids" who don't remember Kopay!) LOL.

Thanks to you they may.

Thanks for cleaning up (activating)the link too. You ROCK! Have a good evening!

Did you check out the companion article on Mark Bingham and the links to stats for each athlete... Well except for Bob Paris of course, but I better not describe that one here, you'll just have to click on that one youself...

A factual unbiased article about the fact that gay men are actully men among men, not the old false stereotype myth of the limp-wrist-long-nails sissy that has been senselessly passed from one generation to another.

Thank you John, you might like the links I provided for each athlete as well, and check out the article I did on Mark Bingham!

Much appreciated...
Jet

John 16-Esera Tuaolo will probably appreciate that

Oh and by the way if you REALLY want to see something click on Bob Paris' link!!!

good read Jet.

Let's not get all testy when I ask this question...

Is it really necessary to have a gay games? The way I read the post, it sounds like these athletes want or wanted exceptance...does calling yourself out with things like the gay games...or gay pride day and stuff like that really make you feel included or excepted? Are there hetero games or hetero pride days?

It just seems to me that wearing a big sign that says what you are...no matter what it is...is just asking for trouble...

think about it...even here at BC...there are people that give some people shit for never serving in the military and those same people give other people shit that DID serve...so...it seems to me, that any label you put on your self is just asking some other group to fuck with you...but that's just me...

one more thing...I seriously doubt you were appalled to find out that pro athletes stay in the closet until their careers are over...unless you've been in a real closet with the doors locked for the last...what...50 some years???

Andy...I understand where you're coming from with your comment. The same question can be asked (and has been right here on BC) during events like Black History Month, or other culturally exclusive events---why is it necessary to single out a certain group for recognition?

Well, here's my answer: because for far too long, certain people would have preferred (and still do) that these certain groups be neither seen nor heard. And until people among these minority groups feel the same amount of equality, acceptance and recognition as do their mainstream counterparts, they will always be there to say "WE ARE HERE".

And it's time the "mainstream" gets over itself and accepts it.

Chantal and Andy - you both make some sense. On the one hand, sometimes it is the better choice to lay low - so to speak.

But Chantal - I understand this pendulum effect. To create equality, we need to see exactly who and what is at risk of never being heard. Because things in certain areas have been very one-sided - focus must swing hard the other way. Sometimes it takes years - generations - lifetimes - for things to come to rest in the middle.

Andy, rather than give a rather lengthy response, I've written a new article entitled "Dear Andy" watch for it, it's being reviewed as we speak.

Thanks
Jet

Dear Chantal, well that covered about a third of my new article in one paragraph.

Thanks sweetie

Mary 22-God I hope it doesn't take THAT long!

re.#22....Mary says: "Sometimes it takes years - generations - lifetimes - for things to come to rest in the middle."

True, but what about all of the gay men and women who have been hiding, and staying quiet, and not being true to themselves for God knows how long already? How much longer should they have to wait until they are given the same equal rights and recognition without the fear of being ostracized, as everyone else. Another 10 years? 25? another 100 years?

It's not like homosexuality is new or anything. It's been around since before we ever stood upright, thousands of years ago. Why should anyone have to stand in line, waiting for equality?

(this comment would fit on any of the other gay marriage threads too)

Jet...yw, can't wait to read the next article. By the way, you really should email me, I found something that might interest you, but it's like way way off topic here.

Chantal it's in the works, I just got done editing it, and they're going over it as we speak. Boy is Andy Marsh in for a shock when he finds out I turned him into an interviewer based on his comment #20!!!!!

I put my heart and soul into it, so I'm ready for certain conservatives to stomp all over it, or it'll probably be ignored until it goes away. The harder I work on an article the more it's ignored... Alas

Thank god I've got a shrink appointment wednesday. Right afterward I have to have both eyes operated on, and they only give me a 50-50 chance so I'm getting my licks in while I can.

Thanks love
Jet

Admit it, you just click on here to look at the pictures don't you?

it does make scrolling down a lot more entertaining!

don't forget to click on the Paris link!

Johan Kenkhuis is more my style.....that super, uber-muscle type doesn't really do anything for me. lol

Nooooooo way-Ian Roberts baby Ian Roberts!!!!

mmmm Ian Roberts...now youre talking ;)

Good god I sound line one of those girls on the b5 strings, have I really sunk that low... Still I can't pass that photo without a whimper...

Ha ha

ok Jet...stay on topic....focus, babe, focus!

He IS the subject... You silly!

very well then, carry on...and EMAIL me, dammnit!
click my url to get the address

I gotta do an injection and eat something, catcha later, thanks for the smiles :-)

Hey Jet!

Did I read about eye surgery? Good luck with that, guy.

I know I'll be waiting for your next piece!

Be well!

Thanks Savvy, to both eyes on Wednesday afternoon.

I'll that you good wishes with me.

Well Jet, when I read it, I'll let you know if that's how I'd have answered...

No no Andy, I'd never put words in your mouth. I used your questions and I answered them. I'm still trying to figure out what's going on with it.
Thanks for the inspiration

Okay Andy here's your link and I hope you like it...Gay Pride: A Few Answers For A Friend To Some Honest Questions

Chantal, I promist I'll get to you tomorrow, I've got to take care of something tonight.

Thanks

Not mentioned are a few more US Diving Olympians, such as Patrick Jeffrey and David Pichler, both who fought against Louganis' allegedly homophobic coach, Ron o'Brien.

Also, there's figure-skaters like Rudy Galindo, John Curry,& Brian Orser.

Recent names like Sheryl Swoopes, and a Canadian Olympic swimmer whose name escapes me. He's been involved with the Gay Games, or OutGames.

Sharon #45 you let the cat out of the bag-that's David Pichler upside down at the top of the page, I was going to challenge everyone to name him and you already did before I could!

The other guys and some lesbian ball players I was going to save for the sequel because of how long this article is.

Thanks for your contribution to the discussion!
Jet

Chatal and Jet -

Jet - I know - I hope it doesn't take that long either.

Chantal - I'm not advocating people to put up with crap or keep quiet. I was just noting the struggles of the 'unseen' (women, racial minorities, gays, even children) seem to take a long, long time.

Mary in a solemn tone I say thanks...

This is a good retrospective of an interesting issue.
However, your conclusion is faulty, as you wrote;
"It's refreshing to see that in other parts of the world the only thing that matters is how you do your job, perform your task, or excel in your sport.
If only that were the case in the sports world here in the United States, but sadly it's not."

Deriding the United States is off-base and demonstrably untrue. Martina and Billie Jean have always been considered icons and have always held a special place in the sports world, especially in America.

They have also become very rich women thanks to the support from the American public.
As a matter of fact Billie Jean's girlfriend tried to drag her through an ugly lawsuit, and the general public was completely supporting of Billie Jean through this ordeal. The American press didn't put Billie Jean through this, a greedy and vindictive ex-girlfriend did.

Also, you include the story of a British soccer player who killed himself because of a smear campaign launched by "bigots." There is still a huge problem in England with regards to racist - and generally intolerant - hooligans who openly deride black soccer players. There is no such problem in America, as black players in all sports are millionaires thanks to the American public.

In the tragic case of Ed Gallagher, where is the United States at fault? It seems from your account that Gallagher committed suicide because he was so conflicted over his sexual orientation. Is he the only man anywhere in the world to have this problem? Or have men and women in other countries done the same?

You seem to be confusing the prejudices of groups of people - and in the insular world of the lockerroom - with an cultural prejudice against gay athletes that is ingrained in American culture.

Is there ignorance with regards to gays? Of course there is, just like there is racial and ethnic ignorance with regards to all groups. To single out any one country as being more guilty of this is misguided and incorrect.

You mention that the gay Australian rugby star is a huge hit in his native land. That may be so, but check out this list of horrid gay bashing crimes that have occured in Australia before you make it sound like all is perfect elsewhere
google search on gay bashing

Being a gay sports icon in the United States, however, is not something many can do. The Football industry, in and of itself, is completely homophobic in nature. Yet, if the truth were available, I honestly believe that at least 40% of professional and semi-pro football players have bisexual tendencies.

Mary....I was afraid that my comment #26 would come off as combative, and it wasn't meant to be. I'm just saying that I know these things take time, but my point it they shouldn't take THIS long. It doesn't make sense that we force minority groups in this day and age wait so long for equality. It says an awful lot about how far humankind yet to go before we are fully evolved.

Thanks for contributing Sal M, but if I'd included all that the article'd take forever to read so I hit the high points.

Maybe in the sequel

Mary....I was afraid that my comment #26 would come off as combative

Ohh, so I can take off these gloves now? : )~

Yeah, I sort of sensed that, I just wanted to be sure we at the same place.

I think things will still take a while -

but you're so very right - it shouldn't be that way.

my point isn't that you should have included any of what i wrote.

if you hadn't come to the bafflingly incorrect conclusion there wouldn't be a need to include the info i provided.

the point is that you came to a pretty damning conclusion that isn't supported by the evidence that you presented.

Mary #53
If only...

Sal #54 In your opinion... In your opinion. Are you going to persist in damning me or are we going to leave it at that?

I said I had a lot to learn, and I do.

Jet, I don't think Sal was damning you. I think his observance is that you came to a conclusion that wasn't supported by the rest of your post.

(I'm not saying I agree - just saying that's what he's trying to say)

I think you both make some good points.

cool?

Cool, I just have a lot on my mind. By the way I added a couple of chapters to my Brokeback Mountain string.

Thanks for moderating...

Thanks for the heads up about this page Jet. I was not aware that there was so much info out there about athletes and thier struggles with thier sexuality. Its going to make for some very interesting reading over the next few weeks.

Your've very welcome Eric. I saw your contribution on my personal page and appreciated it. I'm going in for eye surgery on both eyes so you may not hear for me for while, but I'll be back. Looks like you had fun in Paris?

By the way Eric, I've been fighting with my own site and finally got the pictures to publish on that article. If you liked it there's a few more here you might be interested in too.

Thanks

I agree with Jet's conclusion, because while athletes like Billie Jean King & Marina Navratilova are icons, they lost endorsements (in the case of King), or didn't recieve them (Navratilova), when their sexual preference came to light.

The public affection that Martina recieves today only came about in recent years. At the height of her tennis glory, a majority of people use to openly boo Martina and root for "America's Tennis Sweethart," Chris Evert (then) Lloyd

It's not just us Rebecca, when was the last time you saw an interacial couple in a commercial?

Thanks for contributing...

"From early on in high school sports, most athletic adolescent boys tend to seek out the weak in gym class to pick on and give verbal and physical abuse. To them anyone who didn't play sports were sissies and fags to be beaten up in school parking lots in front of their friends. So it was no wonder that openly gay pro athletes are rarely heard of, or from."

Nonsense. When I was a kid, I knew plenty of bullies but only one who was an athlete, Vinnie Buscemi, and he was thrown off the high school football team because he couldn't get his weight down to 200 lbs. (Vinnie was 6' and 270. A few years later he killed a guy, but got only one year in jail, because his old man had been police commissioner. Vinnie slugged a guy, the guy fell down, hit his head on the pavement, and died.)

After learning of Mark Bingham's story (the gay rugby player who helped bring down Flight 93 before it hit the U.S. Capitol), I wondered what other sports pros, out of the approximately 4,000 active in the U.S., had the guts to face the inevitable judgment and fan hatred by coming out.

I was appalled to discover most had to wait until after their careers were over. There's no doubt in my mind that in all corners of professional athletics from boxing to football, the ranks are full of gays. You've just never heard of them. This also includes the ranks of coaches, owners, or general managers.

That's wishful thinking on your part. There are so many gay pro athletes around, that you had to fish out some guy who played college ball for two years thirty years ago?

You cited two former NFL players who admitted to being homosexual. (The late Jerry Smith doesn't count, since we have only Dave Kopay's word that Smith was gay.)

Another problem with your essay is its hyperbole and contradictions. At one point, you insist that the homophobia in sports is so intense that it could drive a man to attempt suicide; later, you insist that no such homophobia exists, claiming the gay rugby player who came out suffered no nasty consequences.

Your mutually contradictory claims cannot both be true. I don't think you're at all concenred with the truth, but rather that at any given moment, you simply say what you think will best serve your agenda.

We've heard about any number of big-name lesbian or bisexual women athletes but virtually no big-name men athletes. (There's one likely candidate, but you didn't even mention him!) That's because homosexuality and bisexuality are much more common among female athletes than among their men counterparts. Why that should be the case I don't know, but it's been well-known for some time. If you must write on a subject, you need to do a lot more research, and write more honestly.

We went to two different highschools in two different eras, the contradictory players are from two different countries.

You've got so many contradictory statements in your own comment it's hard to figure out what you're trying to say.

you poor thing.

Your post has definitely inspired a lot of my readers as well as myself. I had no idea how many people were gay athletes, and totally closeted about it. The idea of a gay athlete seemed more like an abstract idea then a real thing. Ever since I started writing about this, I have received more comments and emails on this subject than I have on anything else that I have ever posted! You helped me to figure out that I am not alone out there with my problems and my insecurities. Just by posting this I was able to find an entire support group of like minded people out there, and it feels awesome! Thanks

You're very welcome Eric. I got ahold of the tech department over at Bloggers and got the photos fixed, but I lost your comment in the process. I'm glad you followed me over here

Jet.

Eric, did you link them to this article or the one on bloggers as I had to delete the bloggers and repost it again after we straightened out the photo fiasco?

Are all those guys on your blog really commenting about this article or did you write one of your own?

Nicholas #64 Exactly what made you thing the only purpose of this article was to bitch about highschool bullies?

Oh wow! I just noticed that I'm the blogcritic of the day! Cool and Thanks!

Speaking of Gay Athletes we have this from Reuters-SUPERMAN REFUSES TO COME OUT OF CLOSET!!!

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - After weeks of Internet buzzing that the new Superman movie portrays the Man of Steel as gay, the director of the film issued a strong denial on Friday and said it was the most heterosexual character he has filmed.

Superman "is probably the most heterosexual character in any movie I've ever made," said Bryan Singer, director of "Superman Returns," a new movie about the crime-fighting superhero that opens June 28. "I don't think he's ever been gay."

In recent months, the movie's ability to lure its target audience has been questioned by Internet buzz probing the superhero's sexuality.

Young men are the movie's target audience and the film needs to attract millions of them to earn a profit and relaunch the "Superman" film franchise.

A major gay magazine, The Advocate, ran a cover story with the headline: "How Gay is Superman," and the Los Angeles Times weighed in with its own story on whether being gay might hinder or help the movie's box office receipts.

After all, gay romance "Brokeback Mountain" won awards and raked in $178 million worldwide.

So he wears a leotard and flies around in a red cape. Big deal, Singer said, noting Spider-Man wears tights. The X-Men do too, and they aren't gay. Singer ought to know, he directed 2000's "X-Men" movie and 2003's "X2: X-Men United."

Singer said his version of the Man of Steel, who is played by Brandon Routh, is a "very romantic icon" -- handsome, virtuous and vulnerable.

In the movie, Superman comes back to Earth after a five- year absence. Early on, audiences learn the love of his life, hard-charging reporter Lois Lane, has moved on from her infatuation with him. She has a new boyfriend and a child.

Yet when he re-enters her life, Lois still has that sexy gleam in her eye, and he can't wait to fly her to the moon.

"We were all scratching our heads," said Paul Levitz, president and publisher of Superman owner DC Comics. "He's not a gay character."

so he's not gay, he's a home wrecker.

Re #71: Gay activists start a hoax circulating, then when the targets of the hoax deny that it is true, activists and media supporters charge, "SUPERMAN REFUSES TO COME OUT OF CLOSET!!!"

For several years now, gay activists have started hoaxes in circulation that very manly sports greats such as Mike Piazza and Sandy Koufax are gay, in order to give the gay movmment prestige. Now, they're doing it to fictional characters, too.

#65. Jet in Columbus: We went to two different highschools in two different eras, the contradictory players are from two different countries.

You've got so many contradictory statements in your own comment it's hard to figure out what you're trying to say.

you poor thing.

If I had so many contradictory statements in my comment, surely you could show at least one. You didn't, because you couldn't. I caught you out in your contradictions, and you responded by projecting them onto me.

Someone who writes and thinks as poorly as you do has no business being patronizing to anyone.

Steve #72-And he's a cute one at that!

Nicholas, You're absolutely right, I made the whole thing up. Nobody's gay, not even me.

Nicholas, You are absofuckinlootly right and I'm wrong, No one's gay-not even me-you caught me I'm lying my fat ass off! I admit it, this is just a pathetic attempt at attention by a mind who craves pity and love.

I should be ashamed of myself for being so mean to you.

I bow to your superior knowledge and intellect, you are a man among men, and I will retire to put my nose in the punnishment corner of my room, whimpering and praying for your forgiveness, and hoping all those brave and heterosexual athletes and superheroes that I've lled about don't sue me for writing and publishing all those fictional autobiographies under their names years ago, just so I could write this pathetic little article so many years later to get your ungiven sympathy and admiration.

I am a terrible, useless and ugly faggot/fairy with nothing better to do than sit naked at my keyboard every nignt and morning, anxiously waiting and hoping to see if anyone... ANYONE has paid attention to me, in the vague and childish hope of love and approval.

You are right in everything you have said, and will say...

Now... do you have anything else to add to that?

Damn it, Jet; I've just read your article and comments and waddya know, I just turned gay! Please send Nicholas over - I'm in need of correction!

Oh dear god what have I done??? I was right, I was right Gonzo, I am a bad influence...

Jet, sweetie, I think you're getting this month's microwave oven for conversions. On a side note, I am thrilled that people are actually discussing this gay athletes issue. I said earlier that I'd bet my left nut that truth be told at least 40% of football players are bisexual at best. The Ancient Greeks had it right. Their approach to sex was far healthier than what we have today in the States. Perhaps if we had an Alexander the Great type of soldier or President, we'd finally win a war since Korea.

Hear that Nicholas, I've caused us to lose every war we've fought in since Korea Too!!!! Ohh I'm such a bad person

Has anyone read the text of my bio beneath each article lately?

bad bad bad bad bad bad
Solus mei sententia
Jet

Seriously Silas, thank you for the smile. I'm about to post a new developement on my other string and you'll see why. thanks...

Pssst. Billy Bean is gay.

Please send Nicholas over - I'm in need of correction!

Wow, not only did you turn gay, you went right for the hardcore crowd.

Frightening isn't it?

Jet in Columbus: Nicholas, You are absofuckinlootly right and I'm wrong, No one's gay-not even me-you caught me I'm lying my fat ass off! I admit it, this is just a pathetic attempt at attention by a mind who craves pity and love.

I hate to rain on the parade of someone who claims contrition, Jet, but some people actually are gay. Maybe not you, but some people.

I should be ashamed of myself for being so mean to you.

I bow to your superior knowledge and intellect, you are a man among men, and I will retire to put my nose in the punnishment corner of my room, whimpering and praying for your forgiveness, and hoping all those brave and heterosexual athletes and superheroes that I've lled about don't sue me for writing and publishing all those fictional autobiographies under their names years ago, just so I could write this pathetic little article so many years later to get your ungiven sympathy and admiration.

If you insist, but I intend to hold you to the part about retiring.

BTW, which autobiographies would those be? The ones by the locker-rooms full of gay NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL players?

I am a terrible, useless and ugly faggot/fairy with nothing better to do than sit naked at my keyboard every nignt and morning, anxiously waiting and hoping to see if anyone... ANYONE has paid attention to me, in the vague and childish hope of love and approval.

You shouldn't talk like that about yourself, not even in a lame attempt at projected irony.

In your brief autobio, you suggested that once you took your irony supplements. If so, of late you apparently have forgotten to do so, and today have instead taken glib tabs.

You are right in everything you have said, and will say...

Now... do you have anything else to add to that?

No, that would seem to about cover it.

I guess as long as you enjoyed yourself that's all that matters. Pettiness fits you well. Now look what we did to Christopher Rose #78 -aren't you ashamed?

Nicholas wants to know what autobiograpies? there's 15 of them at the botton of the article!

Either contribute something intelligent other than hate mongering and missinformation, or get lost.

You poor thing.

Jet do you ever author a blog or make a post that isn't concerned with sexual orientation?

Arch, do you ever make a post that doesn't induce projectile vomit?

My posts don't so that to normal people Chris just to ultra liberal assholes and I'm happy that it does.

I hope that answered question 88 Arch?

Oh I already knew the answer was no.

Not too many gay athletes because usually a good athlete is someone who had a good childhood, two great parents and had to work extremely hard in their life.

Usually people who choose to be gay didn't have a great childhood and two parents. So consequently a gay athlete is extremely rare.

How appropriate that you and ArchBingBat would answer one right after the other, you know the 3rd anniversary of Gay marriage in Canada was yesterday, maybe you two should consider it.

As I've said before Tony there are no gay athletes, I just made the whole thing up and all those 15 book covers I just made up on photo shop and they doen't really exist. When the orders from Amazon.com come in, I'm really going to be in trouble.

Look at Jet putting words into my mouth.

Show me where I said that there were no gay athletes. I said that gay athletes were rare.

No no you're right there's only 2.5 gay athletes in the world right now. I lied again you caught me.

I'll go stand in the corner now.

Not too many gay athletes because usually a good athlete is someone who had a good childhood, two great parents and had to work extremely hard in their life.

Or a good athlete is someone who worked hard in the prison gym because there were no rehabilitation programs made available. I'd love to know how many electro shock patients came from good Christian homes. The numbers are most probably staggering.

Look at Jet putting words into my mouth.

Could be worse.

For Jet.

I'm telling you guys for the last time-there are no gay people-I made it all up. All those people in the parades are just hired hollywood stunt players that move from city to city, that's why none of the parades are on the same day!

I'm sorry but you'll just have to face the facts. Just ask Tony-He knows!

Tony Re:95-Don't talk with your mouth full (insert joke here)

Do you realize that in paragraph 2 Comment 85 Nicholas said he didn't think I was gay?????!!!!!

You're right Silas, it could be, but I shudder to think about it.

CHICAGO TRUBUNE:

ESPN and Gatorade have signed on as sponsors of Chicago's Gay Games, and singer Andy Bell of the British pop duo Erasure is slated to perform at the opening ceremony July 15, organizers said Tuesday.

The announcement was made during Mayor Daley's annual Pride Reception recognizing Pride Month in advance of the Gay Pride Parade this weekend.

Bill Greaves, the city's liaison to the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender community, saluted the new sponsors for supporting the event despite previous opposition by some anti-gay groups to sponsorships by Kraft, Harris Bank and Walgreens.

Gatorade has agreed to be the official sports drink of the Games and provide sideline hydration at all sports. ESPN has agreed to underwrite the opening ceremony fireworks at Soldier Field.

Gay Games spokesman Kevin Boyer said the sponsorships, which now number more than 300, "demonstrate the mainstream support for the Gay Games in the private sector."

Bell will join Cyndi Lauper, Margaret Cho, Megan Mullally, Jody Watley and Greg Louganis in the Games entertainment lineup.

About 11,500 people have registered to compete in the weeklong sports and cultural event-which takes place every four years-and organizers expect up to 100,000 people to attend.

Under a banner that read "Working to create a bias-free city," Daley praised Chicago's gay community for its accomplishments and showed his political solidarity with the gay cause, vowing to "come back with a candidate to bring the White House to where we want it in the future."

Daley said the Gay Games will be "a time when we can really show what Chicago is all about."

By Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz
RedEye
Published June 21, 2006

Right on Chicago! We've got the Gay Games. We've got the Gay Rodeo. We even have a Gay Church. Gay Marriage will be comin' around the corner!

From your mouth to Jerry Falwell's ear Silas...

I had someone else's ear in mind, Jet

Okay you got me on that one Silas

"My posts don't so that to normal people Chris just to ultra liberal assholes and I'm happy that it does."
- Archie

Would someone please diagram that sentence for me? I'm confused.

Coming out as gay in pro sports would definetly hurt an athlete's career. Their teammates, the media, and the public would treat them worse. They would lose endorsement opportunities, and they might even get cut. I was reading a book that said how NFL teams spyed at gay bars and sometimes they wouldn't sign someone because they thought the truth might get out to their teammates that the guy was gay, and that would hurt team chemistry, because most teammates, especially in football wouldn't want to play with a gay guy. Just look at the whole conspiracy surrounding Jeff Garcia just because Terrell Owens called him gay.

MCH-Huh? I must not have been paying attention and Archie posted something before I could read it. Since I missed it, all I can say is that the Subject was obviously confused, and didn't know how to use his verbage properly. I have a particular adjective to describe him, but it'd be deleted by the fine editor too so I'll just describe him as an {explitive deleted}

{:^p~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I lovvvvvvvve being my own sensor
Jet

Mitchell 109-Or when Skip Bayless publicly speculated that Dallas Cowboys' quarterback Troy Aikman was gay.

I published this article in hopes that pointing out this senseless prejudice would stop.

Some day...

Thanks for contributing Mitchell
Jet

jet:

great article. i really enjoyed it. as an aging gay tv gasbag, i have had the chance to interview esera tualo and david kopay. very cool guys. esera is a wonderful dad and an incredible spouse. dave kopay is still very handsome. billy bean refused to come on my show because he thought it would ruin his corporate speaking gigs.

i met ian roberts at a dinner party in sydney. he was so freaking sexy with that aussie accent and handsome face......i could not eat.

a guy named dan woog wrote a book about atheletes who are gay.....your article is far more concise and the selection of photos..excellent.

jack e. jett
queer edge with jack jett

I was going to include his "Jocks" and "Jocks 2" books in my recomended icons below this article, but as you can see I already have 15 there.

Mr Jett, I just found an article on you right here on our little site, and I must say I'm very honored that you'd take the valuable time out of your busy schedule to compliment me on my little article.
Thanks ever so
Jet

A friend just called to ask if he is my alter ego-no definitely not.

FAGS!

For someone to leave the word FAGS in caps on this string takes a lot of guts. Dem damn hetro troublemakers again probably... I wonder what it tells me that the comments editor left it there for 5 hours?.

I feel sorry for you Carl Lews and I'll say a prayer for you too.

There aught to be a law against hetrosexuals.

Jet, I'm serious... you really need help (i.e. prozac). NOBODY cares who is gay, straight, what goes on in the bedroom... and I'm sure that those people REALLY don't need (nor appreciate) prying eyes into their love/sex lives.

Get over it.

This article wasn't in fresh comments-so you had to dig to find it, to leave your little message-any explanation of why?

Jet you old fag. Just kidding my friend. Since you know we dont see eye to eye. No pun intended. Pray all is well for your eye situation. You lib, me conserative. Want to add this for your list. Emile Griffith. Six-time world boxing champion. Middleweight champ April 25, 1966 at MSG in NYC. Born 2/3/1938 St Thomas Virgin Islands. Watched him fight and KO Benny Kid Paret. Paret died the following day. Emile was never the same. The History channel did a special on Emile several months ago. Never knew he was gay nor do I care. He is still alive today and helping kids to better their lives. Just for your info Jet. If interested do a search on Emile Griffith. Im a boxing freak and know boxing history. Did fight amature umpteen years ago. Take care dude.

Good grief! As many comments as have been deleted by the comments editor on this string I looks like I'm talking to myself here!

SR, thanks it's always a pleasure

Your welcome Jet. Did you do a search on Emile Griffith and what do you think? sr

PS. What has been deleted? As for talking to yourself thats something I do all day. At times I make myself laugh just telling jokes to sr.

Welcome to THE TWILIGHT ZONE.

SR, thanks, but not yet I drove out to Pittsburgh to help settle my dad's estate and I have only had time to answer a few e-mails and finish editing my new article.

I'll get to it I promise. My next eye surgery is tomorrow.

good luck with the eye surgery, Jet :)

Thank you Chantal...

I was going to do an article on the 2006 Chicago Gay Olympic Games, but three things acted in concert to sabotage the event, though it was the most successful so far, and despite Chicago welcoming them with opened arms...

1. the heat

2, The event was so large it was spread far and wide all over the city.

3. A lot of international athletes sensed the hatred towards gays coming out of the far right with all the campaignes against gay marriage (it's legal in Canada) and instead decided to compete in Canada's Out Games because the environment for them was more welcoming.

Personal #3 disgusts me.

Stay tuned for the sequel: How many professional athletes are republican!

Attention: I'd like everyone to investigate the right side menu. That button marked BC Forums....

I was really disappointed by the politcal crap that split the Gay Games into the OutGames and Gay Games. It's pretty ridiculous. As a university level athlete, I got asked several times why people would bother with a Gay Games type event - for me it's just as simple as the ability to meet other gay men interested in sports, because quite frankly they are damn hard to find.

Stewart, thanks for taking the time to comment and I agree completely. The Gay-Games political problems were national, not internal. Canada was more welcoming in the face of the national environment and political elections when everyone seems to become temporarily a born-again christian here until after the elections.

I've been planning a sequel to this article for some time now but the sports dept. here isn't exactly friendly, so I've shelved it... again

Recently I was invited to be interviewed by the BBC about this article, but unfortunately they asked me the day of the interview and I was due at a doctor's appointment that I couldn't get out of.

Stay tuned. For bigger pictures than what are presented here, try my home page, just click on my URL above.

Thanks again...
Jet

Jet, don't let a bunch of Yankee jocks put you off writing anything you want to.

The BC Magazine editor's role is to edit and publish only, nobody cares what they think of what anybody chooses to write about.

Thank you Mr. Rose.

I'll take that into consideration

Jet

You might also want to take into consideration that to many non-US folk, all the major sports there are a bit gay anyway.

I've said this before of course but your "American" football is a weak variety of Rugby League (itself a poor cousin of Rugby Union), played by a bunch of sissies wearing shoulder pads rescued from "Dynasty"; basketball is a version of a girls game called Netball and baseball is derived from another girl's game called Rounders!

LOL!!

Why do I suddenly have a feeling of impending doom?

Is anyone else having trouble with the way the baseball card of Glenn Burke is displaying above?

Not me.

"A weak version of rugby league .... played by a bunch of sissies wearing shoulder pads."


Lol! But they do look fetching don't they Chris ... almost as nice as the nancy boys in sleeveless tops who play that other abomination that carries the tag of football, Australian Rules Football (only played I might add by the philistines in the heathen southern and western states of Oz).

My answer to the rabid but often-defensive supporters of both American Football and Australian Football is this: If they're so fucking good, how come no one else has caught on yet these past 100 years or so?

Even rugby league has struggled to get a world following, and it IS a good game. Just nowhere near as good as real Rugby ... which is the only oval-ball game worth watching.

Obviously neither of you have been to an Ohio State Game?

None of this frivolity should detract however from the fact that Ian Roberts (who Jet loves), the Australian gay rugby league star, was universally regarded by his peers in what is anyway a really, really tough game as the toughest bastard to lace on a pair of footy boots in the modern era of Rugby League.

No one without a death wish was ever game to make comments about his sexuality on the field, and one guy who did ended up in hospital and didn't play again for six months while the bones healed (all of 'em) ...

One really fearsome mutha.

"Obviously neither of you have been to an Ohio State Game?"

Nah, I watch a bit of NFL on TV and I've tried to work out all the subtle nuances. Then I realised: there aren't any!

As a former Rugby League player, however, I do appreciate the fitness these guys require to play the sport. I just wish they'd switch to proper rugby ... actually, no, on second thoughts - I'd like Australia to be the first nation to win three Rugby World Cups (sorry Chris!), and we don't need big Americans running around ruining it. The Poms, Irish, Welsh, Kiwis, French and South Africans are doing a good enough job of that.

STM take one look at the photo, and you'll understand why I like him. Thank God he didn't use his beaded purse on the bitch or some real damage could have been done!

Thanks for contributing.

Even today, I'm finding websites that are ripping off paragraphs or this whole article!

makes me kinda proud so many are interested.