BC government hosts big gay party at Vancouver Winter Olympics
VANCOUVER / Creating gay space at the Olympics 'sets an example,' says Games Secretariat CEO Philip Steenkamp
James Loewen / National / Sunday, February 21, 2010
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The province of BC hosted a big gay party at the Winter Olympics on Fri Feb 19.

Xtra.ca videographer James Loewen checked out the event, dubbed You Gotta Be Out Here. He chatted with Olympian Mark Tewksbury and Games Secretariat CEO Philip Steenkamp about the importance of creating gay spaces at the Olympics.

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Reader Comments


 
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Why do gay athletes have to come out of the closet? To inspire others? If I was an athlete, I would prefer to compete and keep everyone out of my bedroom and personal life. It's no one's business. I don't support gay athletes more over straight one's and don't care about any of their sexualities, why should anyone?
Marc, Vancouver BC
02/22/10 4:38 PM EST
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backwards
Marc, what about the opposite question: why should athletes stay in the closet, when it's damaging -- or at the very least _distracting_ -- to be there?
Marcus McCann, Ottawa ON
02/23/10 7:06 AM EST
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Yes,
I kind of understand that too. But WHY do we have to feel better about ourselves becuase an athlete comes out? I love hockey, and if one of the players came out that's great, doesn't change my opinion of them. They are still just hockey players. I don't understand how them staying in the closet, if they choose to, is a distraction to anyone. I'm out of the closet, and never was in a so-called closet. I was always just Marc. I just don't get the "we want accpetance from everyone", but now segregate ourselves into a Pride House. Nothing wrong with that, I guess.... From my perspective, I would want to be out having fun with ALL my team mates and enjoying the games with ALL of them, not just with the gay ones.
Marc, Vancouver BC
02/23/10 10:05 AM EST
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The more out we get, the happier we'll be
I understand both points of view. When it comes to musical artists, I don't care whether the performer is black/Jewish/gay/vegan/etc, so long as he/she can deliver in the talent department. However, gay artists know that exposing their sexuality could adversely affect their relationships with bandmates, fans, managers, etc, and reduce their record sales and commercial marketability. To counter-balance this risk, it seems that mainstream gay artists have taken the approach of establishing themselves as A or B-list material before outing themselves. With more gay artists out in the spotlight, the more likely that mainstream audiences will become accepting (or at least tolerant) of gay performers, and more gay individuals would feel encouraged to come out and play. Over time, it might become the norm that a performer's sexuality is a non-issue among audiences, in which case, the artist wouldn't feel the need to hide their sexualities. I would like to see this change in attitude to be applied to the realm of mainstream sports and film. However, for that to happen, there is a need for gay athletes and actors to step up/out as GLBT ambassadors in the public spotlight.
Manny, Ottawa Ontario
02/23/10 9:36 PM EST
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courage is often not of great material advantage
"out" is certainly psychologically healthier and of course better for other LGBT as role models. But it is materially better for the athlete to come after he has completed his sports career and made as much money as he or she can from shelling for large corporations. Then one can "come out" and start a second career as a "gay athlete" a la Mark Tewksbury. No one will really remember or care later that you were hiding in the closet during your productive athletic competition years. Alas, courage is often not of great material advantage. (Is even that great campy excellent athlete US skater Johnny Weir "out"? I don't know but perhaps in his unique case it perhaps wouldn't materially hurt his skating career.) In a perfect world all athletes would value their psyches more than money.
james Dubro, toronto Ontario
02/24/10 10:23 AM EST
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Who
the hell wants or needs to be tolerated? I'd rather be hated than tolerated. Same thing to me really.
Marc, Vancouver BC
02/24/10 2:46 PM EST
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Challenge the Image
I almost agree with Marc. However, the problem with everyone, especially athletes, not being open about their sexuality is that the world then goes on believing that there are no gay people involved in sports. All male athletes are assumed straight, and that is the assumption that should somehow be challenged. The image of gay people really does need to move beyond that of the gay hair dresser.
Kevin Gabbert, Irricana AB
02/24/10 5:25 PM EST
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