Canadian speedskater Anatasia Bucsis has become the second Winter Olympics hopeful to come out publicly as gay in response to the passing of anti-gay laws in Russia. Bucsis marched in this weekend's Calgary pride parade. From the Toronto Globe and Mail:
"I could never promote that message of concealing who you are with all of this going on in Russia. I'm kind of happy that I did it on my own terms," said Ms. Bucsis, who is hoping to qualify for Sochi in long-track speed skating. She's on track to make the cut: Not only did the 24-year-old compete for Canada in the 2010 Vancouver Games, she is on the national team and has set personal bests this year.
Bucsis described herself as "vanilla" and "boring," but by her public actions she has made a statement that is anything but. Two weeks ago, Australian snowboarder Belle Brockhoff also came out in reaction to the laws. New Zealand speedskater Blake Skjellerup has been out for two years and has also spoken out about Russia's laws.
