Thursday, June 20, 2013

Brittney Griner: 100% Lesbian and Unapologetic

All American women's basketball player Brittney Griner, who was the number one pick to play professional basketball for the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA (Woman's Basketball Association), is 100% lesbian and unapologetic about it. 

Although Griner publicly came out this past April, her heroism is still a hot topic just as NBA player Jason Collins still is. 

Brittney told her heroic story of having to keep her sexuality to herself while attending Baylor University, a decision her coach said would "protect her". The 6 foot 8 athlete simply says, "Don't worry about what other people are going to say, because they're always going to say something, but, if you're just true to yourself, let that shine through. Don't hide who you really are." 

When asked was it hard for her to come out Griner stated, "It really wasn't too difficult," she said. "I wouldn't say I was hiding or anything like that. I've always been open about who I am and my sexuality. So, it wasn't hard at all. If I can show that I'm out and I'm fine and everything's OK, then hopefully the younger generation will definitely feel the same way. Just being bigger, my sexuality, everything," she told the AP. 

"I overcame it and got over it. Definitely something that I am very passionate about. I want to work with kids and bring recognition to the problem, especially with the LGBT community."

Griner finished her four-year Baylor career as the second all-time scorer in women's NCAA history with 3,283 points. 

She is the top shot-blocker ever, shattering both the men's and women's college marks with 748. She also had a record 18 dunks -- including 11 this season.

This young activist is poised to change the game of women's basketball, and no doubt will be a strong voice for the LGBT community.

Two enthusiastically thumbs up from me Brittney!

2013 LA

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Jason Collins Advances LGBTQ Progress

HUGE props to Jason Collins the Washington Wizards Center, who showed the enormity of his bravery and courage by proclaiming to the world that he no longer chooses anxiety over aptitude, and chose to be completely honest about his sexual orientation.

April 29, 2013, Collins unlocked the closet door that contained his deep-rooted secret of homosexuality, while waiting patiently for the world to react. 

The world reacted better than he had hoped and illuminated the positive progression of LGBTQ rights, not only in America but all around the world! 

This is a new day and people are becoming more tolerant of those that differ from them, and refuse to allow the fear of the unknown to mimic their lives.

Although Jason Collins isn't the first black gay athlete to be out and proud, he is the first in our generation and that alone carries tremendous weight with a great deal of heroism.

Some question whether Collins' NBA days are numbered due to his recent confession, but the man's talent and humility obviously speaks for itself.

2013 LA

Monday, February 25, 2013

NBA Star Kenneth Faried Introduces His Two Moms

Denver Nuggets basketball player Kenneth Faried, took a stand for marriage equality while introducing his two mother's Mahasen and birth mother Waudda, to the world in support of same-sex loving couples.

This is a BIG deal and I appreciate this family being brave enough to open up their lives to the world. Kenneth Faried said it best when he said, "No one can tell me I can't have two mothers, because I really do."

2013 LA

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Music Mogul Clive Davis Talks Bisexuality

American record producer and music industry executive Clive Davis (seen above), made an appearance on the day time talk show 'The View', sharing some of his fondest memories within the industry. 

Then something unexpectedly happened. Mr. Davis, proceeded to answer a question regarding his intimate relationships with both women and men. He went on to proclaim his sexuality as "bi-sexual", not gay or straight.

Co-host Sherri Shepherd asks Clive Davis: "At this point in your career, why come out now?

Clive Davis' reply: "First of all, if you do your autobiography, you're not going to omit an important part of your life. My life was open. I've got 4 children, and I've got 6 grandchildren."

[....]

"When after my second marriage failed, and I've only been with women, and I'm still attracted to women -- it's a state that the public, they always say "You're either gay or straight or you're lying", that's not true. I am attracted to women, but only with the failure of my second marriage, only then did I say could I have a loving relationship with a man? And I opened myself up to it. So for a while I saw women, I saw a man, until I got into a relationship with a man. So if anything positive can come at this age that we're living in, bi-sexuality is real and I'm experiencing it."

It's commendable that the record label veteran is giving insight to who he "really" is. With so many stigma's plaguing the LGBT community, it's understandable that it can be difficult to live freely amongst those who may differ in opinion. 

Mr. Davis being the big time celebrity that he is, was unapologetic when using his new autobiography 'The Soundtrack of my Life', as a way to kick down another door of inequality. 

His stance on sexuality being fluid while admitting that bi-sexuality in fact does exist, creates a forum for intriguing discussion.

I use to secretly wish that more well known public figures who were in the closet would come out, simply because of the message it would send to so many LGBT youth that their lives are worth living. 

Often times small town heroes aren't recognized but the well known and well connected, usually sustains a bigger platform to reach millions of people within a few minutes. Ultimately, making their messages of choice way more effective then let's say, mine. 

I always say, if your well known and praised for your talents, but your same-sex loving identity hinders you from being fully yourself, in the long run it's better to just be who you are. Being who you are, frees you from the extra stress you would have incurred by not being who you are. 

If you feel you'll lose loyalty status from your fans should you decide to come out, then they weren't true fans to begin with but at least give the fans a chance.

Mr. Davis, thank you for your honesty and for discovering amazing artist's, who have given us years of wonderful music coupled with long lasting memories. I look forward to reading your autobiography sir.

2013 LA