Vikings Punter Chris Kluwe Extends His Gay Activism

[William769]

Ardent LGBT rights proponent Chris Kluwe, a punter for the Minnesota Vikings, upped his activism ante this week by becoming the first pro athlete "Ally Ambassador."

The ambassador program aims to challenge homophobia in sports; it's an initiative of the nonprofit group Athlete Ally, which is dedicated to "encouraging athletes, coaches, parents, fans, and other members of the sports community to respect all individuals involved in sports, regardless of perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity or expression."

"When I founded Athlete Ally, the vision was for straight athletes to stand up for and respect gay athletes, because it's the right thing to do," says Hudson Taylor, executive director of Athlete Ally. "Chris Kluwe epitomizes this vision and will help us take our efforts to more people."

http://www.advocate.com/sports/2012/12/17/vikings-punter-chris-kluwe-extends-his-gay-activism

[Chipper Chat]

1. My respect for Chris Kluwe knows no bounds.

Historical.

[joeybee12]

2. And, of course, my very shallow response is...

He looks way cuter with longer hair!

[Evasporque]

6. oh god yes....lol....nt

[pinto]

3. Kudos.

[dsc]

4. It should be noted he is doing this even after his coach told him to stop

He deserves all the praise we can give him.

[Behind the Aegis]

5. I appreciate his efforts for a number of reasons.

For someone in professional football to "come out" like this in favor for GLBT rights is a big step in of itself. I find him to be a very handsome man, which as shallow as this sounds, that also helps. His looks also play another part in that someone as good-looking as him can be comfortable in his own sexuality and with the sexuality of others and doesn't see that as threat. He is taking a stand against the orders of his coach, also another big thing. He is an all around awesome dude!

[HillWilliam]

7. It's awesome that the younger kids now have a "big brother"

to take up for them. When you know there's someone, even "out there somewhere" pulling for you, it does help you get through the bullshit in the middle to find your own freedom.

Most of us had to do it for ourselves and while we managed, "managing" isn't always the answer.

Chris has my total respect. As hard as it is to be a GLBT teenager, right now it's just about as difficult to be a straight ally in a very unfriendly environment. I'm pretty sure he's taking his share of shit for it. Hat's off, Chris, and thank you.