Many will play this off as no big deal and unnecessary. Others will chalk this up as yet another attempt by the gay community to push their agenda. Many will say, "Why can't we all just enjoy the game without worrying about whether someone is gay or straight?" This would be possible IF our society did not discriminate and ridicule those that are gay as well as those that support them. Many will say, "But I do love them!" If this is the case, then why don't we feel the love? There would be no need for Michael to make this statement if the love was evident. Many people will remain silent and avoid conflict and confrontation. I must admit, this is certainly my natural inclination. I will not remain silent as it is my responsibility to stand up for my loved ones. I believe Michael's stand will go far to fight stereotyping and discrimination against homosexuals and those that love and support them.
Let me tell you a story. Last Fall, I sat behind a couple of students at a high school music concert. It was a great concert as is always the case at our local high school. During one of the numbers, the singers paired up to sing various parts of the song. The first few pairings, much to be expected, were boy-girl. One pairing, however, was of two men - one of which is known to be gay. At this time, the young men in front of me made some snide remarks and chuckled to each concerning the young men on stage. One of the young men on stage was my son. While he is not gay, he has experienced discrimination and ridicule because of his support of those who are.
Let me tell you another story. My older son played basketball in middle school. He didn't want to play, but I strongly "encouraged" him as he was tall and I thought it would be good for him. At this time, my son was struggling with his identity and desperately trying NOT to be gay. It is important to know that I too was struggling with his sexual orientation. Both of us would have given anything for him not to be gay. Even so, my son was not accepted by most of his peers. Unfortunately, some of his team mates were not as accommodating as Michael Sam's appear to be. As a parent in the stands, I witnessed more than one occasion of my son being ridiculed by his team mates. Perhaps if he was an All-American, things would have been different.
Thank you Michael Sam for not remaining silent following the old military adage of "don't ask don't tell". I am very glad your team, the press, and the NFL accept you as an All-American and, more importantly, the man that God created you to be. In an ideal world, all men would be accepted as they are created - equal, and no man would be ridiculed based on any standard - be it be race, sexual orientation or the ability to play a sport. An ideal world would listen to those that can't carry a ball or a tune; however, we place more value the words of the talented. This is not an ideal world and it never will be. There will always be those that don't understand. There will always be those that discriminate and even hate. Through your courage, these numbers will decrease.
Fortunately, more and more young men - gay and straight- are speaking out against hate and discrimination. I am so proud of my two sons as well as others that do not remain silent but confidently speak up in support of all. While Michael Sam may be the first All-American Football players to speak up, many others have and will be encouraged to do the same.
We need more men like Michael Sam to stand up and be proud - proud to be a man, and proud to accept all men as equal.
By the way, I am a proud Mizzou graduate and wish my fellow Tiger the best of luck. You have renewed my love of sport and man!
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