Top story of 2012: fighting homophobia in sport
SPORT / Pro athletes get behind You Can Play message
Xtra staff / National / Monday, December 17, 2012
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The playing field became a bit more level this year for gays and lesbians. A deluge of support from straight allies pushed the issue of gays in sport to centre field. 
 
Players from the NHL, NFL, CFL and other sports organizations got behind the message that gays and lesbians have a place in sport.
 
Among the biggest agents of change is Brian Burke, president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. His gay son, Brandon, was an up-and-coming hockey manager before his life was cut short in a car accident.
 
In a very touching memorial, Brian Burke and his son Patrick started the You Can Play campaign to fight homophobia in sports.
 
As Xtra reporter Andrea Houston says, “He’s the real deal.”
 
 
The next step for 2013? An openly gay athlete in pro sports.

 
 

Pro players get behind gays in sport
Tags: cfl, gay, lesbian, nhl, sports


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Reader Comments


 
Homophobia in sport
Great to see an article on fighting homophobia in sport in last week's issue. By coincidence, last Friday I launched my latest book, GENDER POLITICS AND THE OLYMPIC INDUSTRY, at the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives. For details, see http://www.palgrave.com/products/title.aspx?pid=648277 Helen Jefferson Lenskyj
Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, Toronto Ontario
12/20/12 9:37 AM EST
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