12
L G B T Q
Athletes !
As we become older, it’s no longer enough to participate for
the sake of playing. We need to incorporate our personal
identities into our achievements and passions. Perhaps, this
is why athletics so often become the battleground between
acceptance and alienation. In our very diverse commu-
nity we hear all too often of what happens to athletes who
choose to come out to their peers, which can be an expe-
rience of pain. Queer athletes put this much and more on
the line when they choose to, or are forced to, come for-
ward. This is why we need to appreciate their bravery, and
respect the strength it must take to simply be themselves.
Here are just a few local athletes who have risen to this chal-
lenge. Their ages, sports of choice, and experience may all
be different, but their importance to us is equal and quite
immeasureable.
20
JustOut.com
January 2013