Empress Nasi Goreng

Why Matthew Mitcham's sexuality is an issue

I liked this opinion piece on why the sexuality of Australian gold medal winning diver, Matthew Mitcham, is an issue in 2008 when you would expect such things to be ho hum. 

As the writer, Ryan Heath, says:  

Mitcham's sexuality is news so long as he remains the only openly gay man on the Australian team, and quite possibly, the only one among the nearly 7000 men competing in Beijing.

...

There is continuing homophobia in sports arenas and in belief that toxic corporate effects follow homosexuality like a bad smell.

...

Mitcham is right to want to be known for being a great Australian athlete rather than a gay one. His ambition would be much easier to realise if sports communities did more to reflect their grassroots membership and audiences.

"I'm happy with myself the way I am," our new star says. Cheers to that.

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cat
It's a shame he has to become a spokesperson. I remember JJJ did a story on gay musicians and how a lot of them never "come out". They were talking to Darren Hayes and he said that he took a long time coming out because he knew from then on he would be known as gay darren hayes. And he said it really hit home when he had a meeting with record representatives and whereas previously they had shaken his hand, they now kissed his cheek.
Ozone
Like who cares about what this Olympian does in his spare time? Does it make him dive any worse?

The year is 2008 no issue!


chickleta
[this is good]
Sigh. It sucks that we still care about who other people choose to love in this day and age.

He has beautiful eyelashes!
{Diamond}
I agree with Ozone. His sexuality has nothing to do with his performance.
Emjay
The press just love to label and categorize people - often in the hope of getting some more "sensational" headlines. It's almost as if they really want to say "wow, we didn't know gays could dive".
Empress Nasi Goreng
I agree. I suppose I was more thinking about it as a story of personal heroism in terms of him overcoming depression and being brave enough to come out and say to the world "this is who I am". I think that is a great story not just for same sex attracted teenagers but all young people who are worried about what other people might think about them.
Empress Nasi Goreng
I suppose I see it more as a story of personal heroism in that he was able to overcome depression (which I understand was partly due to the pressure of having to hide his sexuality) and then make such a spectactular come back.
Empress Nasi Goreng

True. He is such a cutie (and I mean this in a motherly way!).

Empress Nasi Goreng
Yes, I do too. I suppose I was thinking of it more in terms of him providing a great role model for young people in being true to oneself. He actually quit diving a few years ago due to depression. The coming out thing was actually a bit part of his comeback and I think he should be very proud of himself for that as well as for his diving.
Empress Nasi Goreng

I agree that is the case with some media. I think this story a bit different though.

sylph
How very odd; a gay diver.

Oh, wait.

I bet it's kind of annoying for him to walk around with the printed label while so many others must keep theirs hidden. But good for him, and boo to everyone who makes this a big deal so that the rest still feel like they have something to hide.

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