The Sochi Olympics are a little more than a month away. They open on February 7, and go through the 23rd. What will happen in Sochi? Will it end up a political catastrophe where no one is paying attention to the games, and it just becomes about the gay-rights politics? While I don’t wish anyone any harm, I’m kind of hoping there are some big gay controversies, especially with our American delegation. Billie Jean King is one of the leaders of the delegation, and Billie Jean won’t be able to keep her mouth shut if she’s asked about LGBT issues. Also in the delegation: gold-medal-winning figure skater Brian Boitano, who came out officially just hours after being named to the American delegation. Brian gave his first post-coming out TV interview to Matt Lauer yesterday on the Today show:
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In case you’d rather just read what he has to say, here’s a partial transcript:
“When the president named the delegation and I read in the news what his message was, of tolerance and diversity, I thought, ‘I have to take this opportunity.’ I think the message is so strong. I always wanted to represent my country as best I could. And I knew that I had to go past my comfort zone and reveal a private side of my life that I’ve never done before because I felt that the message is so strong. First of all, the reaction [to my coming out] has been fantastic and really supportive, but I never really felt that I had to [come out]. I have always been a private person. I’ve kept my private side of my life special for family and friends who really knew me. I’ve never been ashamed of who I was, I’ve always been open with them.”
Boitano said he doesn’t feel he needs to make an additional statement against Russia’s anti-gay laws once he and the delegation arrive in Russia for the Feb. 7 Opening Ceremony.
“You know, I think we have to be careful once we get over there. I think the statement is already being made by us being on the delegation and [tennis legend] Billie Jean [King] and [hockey medalist] Caitlin [Cahow] and us standing together united as gay people showing that there is freedom of speech and we are successful human beings and athletes – and I think that that speaks measures.”
Matt Lauer also made a sort-of joke about how he wasn’t surprised when Brian came out just after being named to the delegation, and Brian took it in good humor. To be fair, it didn’t seem like Matt meant any harm. I mean, we all said the same thing when we heard too – “Didn’t everyone already know that he’s gay?” Still, it’s always nice to hear from Brian Boitano. He just seems like such a lovely, drama-free dude. So… there probably won’t be much “controversy” with Boitano. So now I have my fingers crossed for Billie Jean King to do some kind of big stunt in Sochi. Come on, Billie Jean!
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Parker and Stone were right: we should be asking ourselves “What would Brian Boitano do?”. He’s a classy dude.
I keep singing that song in my head whenever I read his name! They nailed it.
I’m sure he’d kick an ass or two!
I love him, (and his show on Food Network) and I love what Obama did in that delegation, I truly love Billy Jean King. But what I feel compelled to talk about is the fact that he’s wearing those shoes, sockless, with shorts. What.the.hell?
Ooh, he has a show on Food Network? How did I miss that? I’ll have to watch. I love him, too, but agree that he’s wearing what. the. hell.
On Jan 16 Brian will remodel his grandfather’s Italian villa that he purchased on a special on HGTV ,my favorite channel.He mentioned it during MSNBC interview with Thomas Roberts.Thomas said he and his husband will visit Brian’s villa.
I have the opposite feeling. I’m AFRAID of a big Russian controversy. This is not a joke or a game – people are getting tortured and imprisoned over there! Russia makes no attempt to “play fair.” Their entire history consists of people being sent to gulags and to Siberia for thinking the wrong thoughts. How much protection is really offered just by being from another country?
I would have preferred a boycott, but that would be unfair to the athletes.
Anybody from Russia on the site today? Can someone give us an insider’s view?
+1,000,000
Completely! And then there’s the 2 recent bombings! WTF! What was the IOC thinking???
I’m with you. I personally would prefer a boycott but understand why there isn’t one. Am hoping that some openly gay athlete will shatter a world record or two and create a Jesse Owens moment for history.
Russia is a good example of what the far right would like to happen here. In fact, an American group known as the World Congress of Families has been VERY active in the Russian move to legalize homophobia. Maddow, Right Wing Watch, HuffPo and a number of others have been covering it for months now. I hope the spotlight of the Olympics will get these hateful people truly out of the shadows.
Russia gave a guarantee to Olympic Committee last July that no sportsmen/rep/fan will be affected by the anti gay-propaganda law. Basically, the law will be suspended during Olympics.
I just want all of the athletes and delegations and spectators to be safe and wish everyone luck.
Here’s hoping. After Volgograd, whoever’s in charge of security will tighten things up considerably, with any luck.
Amen. I don’t wish violence on anyone. The Winter games are my favorite and I’m looking forward to the competitions!
I’m just concerned for their safety, more than for any additional “statement.” I’m even more concerned for everyone’s safety after the bombings there (which are unrelated of course). I’m beyond thrilled that the US is sending a message by having prominent LGBT athletes in the delegation, and I do want bigotry against LGBTQ people to end. I will, however, breathe a sigh of relief when everyone is home safely.
I think the terrorist attacks are a greater threat than this law, at least during the Olympics. I don’t think during the Olympics, Russia will arrest athletes or delegates from other countries. International sporting events after the Olympics are a different story.
Considering there were just two bombings, I think safety is the main issue above all else.
Russia will smile and give a huge welcome to all, in order to avoid international controversy. Then when the games arebover they’ll go back to enforcing these barbaric laws instead of addressing the real social and economic issues ravaging Russia. Get a clue Russia, gays aren’t blowing up your train stations. Start dealing with the real problems before you go down in flames. Awful.
He is awesome! I loved his show on Food Network, I just wish they’d get some new episodes. I hope that all of our delegates come back safe.
I hate that the Olympics are being held in Russia. I think to compare the athletes’ sacrifices to what Russian LGBT have gone through and decide that the athletes’ right to perform is the most important is really irresponsible.
That being said, I don’t like the idea of this delegation being “really careful” in Russia, as a way to avoid controversy. I understand it, but I think that by saying “yeah we’ll go, and be really quiet about Russia’s bullshit intolerance towards us” sends a message that the intolerance and human rights abuse is ok. If they don’t use this opportunity to say or do anything about it, then all I’ve learnt is that intolerance and intimidation work because it shuts up the oppressed and makes them behave in a more acceptable manner.
I don’t know if I am explaining this right, so should just shut up. Basically, I am super happy about this delegation, but wish they would plan on being a little more outspoken.
I know exactly what you are saying and was thinking the same thing.
One one hand, you have people who feel it is their right to call the LGBT community perverts, unnatural, pedophiles, sinners, etc. They feel free to deny human rights, provoke violence, rip families apart and destroy lives.
On the other you have the victims of that hate tiptoeing around their victimization so as not to offend.
I get it. I’m torn. I certainly don’t think it’s right that the victims should have to kowtow to the bigots. On the other hand, who am I to say, from my comfortable position here, that they should take their lives into their own hands and make a statement at their own personal risk? I can’t make that decision and ask that of them. I like the statement you made earlier about hoping for some Jesse Owens moment.
It would be one thing if I were the one going.
I heard a story on NPR that Russia forced a major international furniture retailer to pull its catalog because the catalog featured a gay couple. Publishing the catalog in Russia with those images is now illegal apparently. The retailer complied because they said they follow the law in the countries in which they operate – however, they have a very good pro-gay record. Their hope was that by continuing to operate in the country they can still hope to have some influence. If they pulled out entirely there would be no chance for influence. Still, I call bullshit on the law that made the catalog illegal. That law should be illegal.
This is my thought as well. I personally would love to have them be able to go over to Russia feeling no need to “be careful.” At the same time, the fact that they’re even going to be allowed in the country and Russia is “guaranteeing” their safety is a step forward. The last thing anybody will want is for the delegation or individual members to be harmed trying to make a stand. My concern, at this point, is for everything to go off and that they can return home. Whether they want to see another fighting day is up to each one of them.
I don’t want any actions of the delegation to detract from the athletes, who should be the true stars of the event. I think the statement has been made with the selection of the delegation. So I am hoping for no controversy!
I kind of wish our athletes could wave rainbow flags instead of American flags just to see bye looks on the Russians faces!!!!!
Awesome on so many levels. Plenty of Americans would/will probably be baffled that we suddenly are at the Olympics representing for LGBT rights as a country. It’s not like we have this issue all worked out on the homefront, but nothing like a common enemy to unite us all in supporting our own.