What about gay Olympians? They are proud examples of each country they represent. Is it an issue or not--I've never really known. Are they treated fairly--open or closeted?
Do the same Americans who discriminate against gays feel pride when an openly gay or lesbian American athlete wins a medal in the Olympics? I sure hope so.
As it turns out, homophobia in the Olympics is nothing new. Though things are changing, in the past many athletes remained closeted as competitors.
For example, Mark Tewksbury, 1992 Canadian gold medal swimmer came out in 1998 and even wrote a memoir about being a gay athlete. He said that at that time being in the Olympics was like being in an occupied country. "I was never sure who to talk to. If I made a mistake, it could have been the end of my livelihood."
Vancouver's attitude was welcoming to gay athletes, coaches and family members. Tewksbury was even invited to speak to the Canadian team before they walked into the opening ceremonies--as who he is, an openly gay athlete.
Though he didn't win a medal, American Olympic figure skater, Johnny Weir was flamboyant in costuming and hairstyle and exuded confidence in his performing skills--a very comfortable gay man. That's a good thing, because he was called Johnny Weird (the "d" is silent) and told he was too gay. On the Joy Behar show, she asked how he felt about being called "too gay."
"I just wish they would think before they actually said it. There are so many kids like me, coming after me, whose parents might repress them just because they saw what they said about me, that their kids are going to turn out like me. And I think me is pretty fabulous."
And I think you're pretty fabulous too, Johnny. You deserve a "medal of honor."
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