Report: NFL launches LGBT initiative, NFL Pride

[Odoreida]

Report: NFL launches LGBT initiative, NFL Pride
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/report-nfl-launches-lgbt-initiative-nfl-pride/ar-AAqiSzO

The NFL launched its LGBT initiative, "NFL Pride," on Wednesday at a 150-person gathering at league offices in New York, according to Outsports.

"NFL Pride" was created by the league's Diversity Council and was spearheaded by gay NFL employees John Cora and Michael Castor, according to Outsports.

To coincide with discussion on the initiative, several openly gay professional athletes served as keynote speakers for the launch and open panel. The speakers, who discussed ways to create a more inclusive environment in sports, included: Oakland A's executive Billy Bean, former NBA center Jason Collins and, most notably, former NFL offensive tackle Ryan O'Callaghan, who came out publicly earlier this summer. O'Callaghan said he contemplated suicide during his playing days with the Kansas City Chiefs because of his life outlook when he was in the closet.

O'Callaghan told USA TODAY Sports this summer, "Early on I decided that I could never come out. When you’re in the closet, it’s a scary place. You think no one will love you, especially if you hear slang and people talking bad about gay people. You think they’re talking about you. ...You hear people you love talk and say these things and you think that’s exactly how they think of you. Or they will if they knew you. You just decide not to let them know you."

[joeybee12]

1. Pro football is the last bastion of homophobia in professional sports

More of a PR stunt if you ask me.