Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Runner dedicates medal in Russia to his gay, lesbian friends

 


Nick Symmonds celebrates his silver medal. - Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
 
Several days ago, American middle distance runner Nick Symmonds was criticized for his statement that he, himself, was an ally to homosexuals, however, he would not turn the race into a gay thing -- he would try to remain silent concerning Russia's anti-gay laws while competing for team USA at the World Track and Field Championships being held in Moscow.

Imagine the surprise when, upon winning the silver medal in the 800 meters, Symmonds was decidedly not silent at all, telling Russia's R-Sport that he would be dedicating his silver medal to his LGBT friends back home in the USA.
"As much as I can speak out about it, I believe that all humans deserve equality as however God made them," he told Russian reporters from Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium. "Whether you're gay, straight, black, white, we all deserve the same rights. If there's anything I can do to champion the cause and further it, I will, shy of getting arrested."  He continued, "I respect Russians' ability to govern their people. I disagree with their laws. I do have respect for this nation. I disagree with their rules."
Symmonds, 29, reported this, his feelings for his LGBT friends and his disdain for the Russian laws restricting homosexuals in Russia to the Russian media itself. He did so at some peril, as the Russian government has recently come out with new laws that prevent not only homosexuals, but any "Propaganda" placing himself at risk.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Elders will be Sisters will be Elders

This is a little too close to home for me.  I laughed way too loud.  Do you think it's gay?  A friend of mine thought they were making fun of Elder homos, but I think they were just showing the feminine side.  I will admit, I once brought a center piece for Elders Quorum meeting when I was teaching.