Monday, December 21, 2009

Out of the Rugby Closet

I came across this story today (from Wayne Besen's site) about Rugby player Gareth Thomas coming out.  I don't look anything like Gareth Thomas (don't I wish!), but our stories are similar.  Maybe your story, too.

I can so relate to the pain, anguish, shame, the whole thing.  Can't most of us relate to it?  Especially those of us who did marry.  If only the brain-dead conservative could believe.

The dominant culture, the ones with the privilege, still hold to the expectation that everyone should be like them.  And even that everyone wants to be like them.  The danger of White Straight Male Privilege.

But we are different.  Gifted by Otherness.

I understand more and more the concept of gay Pride.  It is not about flaunting anything or saying "we're better" (we are, however, more fabulous).  It is about claiming, accepting, and living our lives in the face of such anger, hatred, and opposition.  In the face of the dominance of the White Straight Male culture.

And, our Pride should open our hearts to an understanding and acceptance, compassion and mercy.

Still, I wish I looked like Gareth Thomas.  But, maybe next year. . . . .

8 comments:

Neil said...

Trust me, he should be jealous of the way you look!
Yes, we are GIFTED by otherness. If I was not gifted by it, would I have met you and other friends I love the most?

Larry Ohio said...

",,,I wish I looked like Gareth Thomas. But, maybe next year."

That's my wish as well :-)

Mutty said...

You could argue that the point is we're actually not that different at all ;-) x

Great post.

Ur-spo said...

pride means 'no shame'. 'nuff said.....

Lemuel said...

I've been sitting here after reading your post pondering what you have said. It is succinct and beautiful. I am also struck by Dyl's comment. We are gifted with otherness, although I would also use the term uniqueness - and that is true for all people. It seems though in western culture some folks just cannot get past one type of uniqueness.

Birdie said...

Sweetheart, you look amazing just as you are. :)

There is an undercurrent of peace in your words. Beautiful.

Stephen Chapman said...

He's not really fit, it's all padding!

RG said...

There's a great interview with Gareth posted somewhere (I can't remember where) with the BBC radio. It's excellent.

And to hell with looking like Gareth - I just want him. He's HAWT!