PRIDEblog

I didn't get a chance to post yesterday so, I'll give you my 29, and my 30 today. I'd like to take the opportunity to thank my readers--wow, I have readers--and those, who supported me as I took on this project. Here we go, last 2:

29. That Even Rugby Won't Let Homophobia Go Unanswered For

My father and I used to joke that we couldn't get behind rugby because it seemed to us that it was violence, simply for the sake of violence. As a lover of all sports, I of course know that this is untrue, and that there has to be some object to the game--I just haven't the faintest idea what it is. In this kind of hyper masculine and (yes) violent sport, one would expect that it could be as tumultuous to come out as it would be in professional football or hockey, and still be successful and unscathed. This was very true for Gareth Thomas of the Crusaders.

Thomas came out as a gay man in December. He is the first known out rugby player. What is truly incredible about this fact is that Thomas is an active professional rugby player--not retired. As Americans we are yet to have an active player come out of the closet while playing a mainstream, televised sport, which is not a knock against the out speed skaters and other Olympic Athletes that are featured during Olympic coverage, simply a statement that our only out football and basketball players came out upon retirement and it was even years after said retirement.

One can imagine that Thomas has faced some homophobia since he is still out on the field match after match, and some of it was from fans of the opposing teams. In March, fans of Castleford began shouting anti-gay epithets at Thomas. The outbursts were so outwardly hostile and continuous that the RFL (Rugby Football League) fined the Castleford the equivalent of $60,000. Castleford is going to appeal the decision, but it is unlikely that appeal will succeed. Thomas was said to be touched and delighted that the RFL took such a matter so seriously, and that their were fans in the stands, who told the hecklers to stop repeatedly.

30. That My Friends Made This the Best Pride Ever

This month has been truly incredible for me. I love National Pride Month with a fervor that is almost religious. This month, I set out to find a way to really keep the essence of pride. I hope that I did a good job. I can't count how many times I mocked these sorts of endeavors--as they do require a certain amount of ego--but I wanted to find something I could share with my friends. I figured it would have to be via internet since so many of my friends are elsewhere for the summer.

As much as I love pride festivals, I didn't make it to any this month--I was hoping to go to Greensboro, but I got called into work. I did celebrate the Stonewall Anniversary with some close friends and queer films. Caitlin has told me before that getting together and laughing with people you love is the best way to keep those special days. I chose sharing this blog with you to keep this month.

That being said, there are certain people that I feel I must thank for encouraging me, reading the blog, or just spending little pieces of the month with me. First, I have to thank Caitlin for staying on my case to keep my promise and post even when I didn't really feel like it--and I did have a few of those days. I also want to thank Amber Lee for reading and commenting and asking questions all the way from Alaska. Also I want to thank my brother, Derrick, for reading every day, Morgan for going on a reading binge near the end and even commenting, TR Nunley for reposting once or twice, Detrick Brown for his excitement once I kicked my cold, and of course the wonderful group that payed tribute to Stonewall with me (Anna, Veronica, Jackie, Alex, Taylor, Cole, Sierra, and the three who were here in spirit--Matthew, Kelley, and Lindsay Golden). Thank you to everyone, who read, and to everyone, who did their best to keep this month.