STRAIGHT ALLIES

We couldn’t do it without you! In solidarity with gay athletes are an increasing number of their straight counterparts. These allies are a vital force for equality as they chip away at the once impenetrable homophobia of professional sports. Chris Kluwe. The former Minnesota Vikings kicker risked his NFL career to speak very candidly, and loudly, in favour of marriage equality. Magic Johnson. When the retired LA Lakers NBA superstar’s son, EJ, was caught by TMZ cameras holding hands with another man, Johnson, a Christian, said he loved and supported his gay son. After having announced he was HIV-positive back in 1991, Johnson worked with the gay community on HIV-awareness and prevention campaigns. When asked what he wanted from the community today, Johnson responded, “Give [my son] the right information. Help him to grow and be a good young man. Things that I can’t talk about, that I don’t know about, they can help him. That’s what I want.” Ben Cohen. The retired rugby union star and world cup champion became a gay rights activist and began the Standup Foundation, dedicated to ending bullying in schools and sports. Nick Symmonds. Last year, the middle-distance runner won silver at the world championships in Moscow and used the occasion to speak out against Russia’s anti-gay laws while on Russian soil. Hudson Taylor. The NCAA All-American wrestler and Columbia University wrestling coach began the non-profit Athlete Ally, whose focus is on ending homophobia and transphobia in sports.