Given how severely Asian-American and Pacific Island heritage people are targeted for hate, my complaints seem small, but this was a hard week for everyone LGBTQ, with homophobic and transphobic venom on full display on Capitol Hill and in statehouses across the country.
The good news is that many straight allies raised their voices to counter the hate, and people of many races, faith traditions and backgrounds joined together to denounce anti-AAPI racism. My look at this week’s LGBTQ sports winners and losers begins with positive stories, and hope for greater understanding, acceptance and love for all, no matter how we are different from one another. I believe being different is the most American thing you can be!
Winner: Gay Texas high school athlete comes out to team and starts a Gay Straight Alliance
‘The realization hit me that I was the first gay person any of my teammates had ever met,’ Britton Majure says after he came out as gay.
Winner: Gay slur from a fan and game of Hangman with teammates inspired college athlete to come out
After coming out at her Maryland college, Lindsey Farrell “felt more connected to not only the sports community, but now my community as an LGBTQ+ member.”
Winner: Conor McDermott-Mostowy just won 2 US Championships. Now he’s coming out as gay.
Conor McDermott-Mostowy competed for Team USA at the World Championships. He’s found acceptance in speed skating.
Loser: Out wrestler Joshua Wavra exits pro wrestling following accusations of racism and abuse
Wavra faces multiple accusations of using racist and racially charged language, bi-erasure and emotional abuse.
Loser: Synergy Pro Wrestling shutters after out owner Patrick Shea revealed to be registered sex offender
Synergy Pro Wrestling owner Patrick Shea, one of the few out wrestling promoters, actively concealed his criminal past to the wrestling world by operating under the name Colin West.
Winners: Transgender teen and LGBTQ advocates defend trans student-athletes and Equality Act on Capitol Hill
The Senate Judiciary Committee’s sparring over LGBTQ rights reflected the divisions in the nation’s body politic. GenderCool champion Stella Keating, 16, testified in favor of the Equality Act.
Winners! These voices must be heard: Don’t ban trans girls
Across the country this week, straight allies have courageously stood up for transgender rights.
Winner: Dwyane Wade takes heartfelt stand against anti-trans laws
The NBA legend continues to show what it means to be a straight ally.
Winners: These two out college runners are demanding NCAA stand up for trans rights
Athlete Ally College Ambassadors Alana Bojar and Aliya Schenck spearheaded a letter to the NCAA pushing for the organization to pull championship events from states engaged in anti-trans legislation.
Losers: Who sponsored North Dakota’s proposed trans student-athlete ban? No surprise: Supporters of leading anti-LGBTQ organizations
Sponsors deny the links are an issue as opponents note a growing, nationally-coordinated campaign against transgender Americans.
Winner: ‘Singled Out’ shines in depicting Glenn Burke’s heroism and his tragic end
Andrew Maraniss’s new biography places Glenn Burke in his proper trailblazing context and shows how 1970s-era baseball conspired against him.
Winner: New Operator Flores brings the rainbow flag to Rainbow Six Siege
Today’s launch of Operation Crimson Heist introduces Rainbow Six Siege’s first out LGBTQ character.
That’s all for this week! I’ll bring you another list of winners and losers next Saturday. Got a name I missed, or want to challenge my choices? Comment here or on Facebook or Instagram, tweet at us, message me via any social media, or just plain email me at [email protected] Thanks!
