Gay Polo Team Comes To Wellington
I received word from the man who always has his ear to the ground, Mason Phelps, that a gay Polo team was heading to Wellington this coming season to try its hand against the best in the world. My first reaction was (and still is) GREAT!
I have been an out and proud gay athlete for decades and have worked closely with the Gay and Lesbian Athletics Foundation since its inception. Here is the link for readers to go to the team’s website: http://www.page2live.com/2009/07/15/get-ready-wellington-heres-the-gay-polo-league/
At the bottom of their page you will notice a place where they have asked for comments, to which I sent congratulations and offers to help promote the fact that they are coming to compete. Other comments from Polo enthusiasts have not been nearly so generous, and some have been outright nasty and homophobic! It is a very interesting thing how bigotry can be masked behind nuanced words by people who fear that someone will call them out on it. So what they do is say things like, ” I really have nothing against Gay people but do you all have to flaunt your sexuality around our children?” Or, “What if a bunch of Drag Queens decides to come up from Miami to watch?” Oh my God! What might happen then?
The truth of the matter is that these guys just want to play Polo, but honestly, I’ve been to many matches here and in the Hamptons and the drinking and carousing that goes on in the tent in front of the “children” are way more a display of sexuality than probably will ever be the case by the gay folk who attend. As a matter of fact, “my people” have been coming and watching polo for some time now and so far it hasn’t caused much of an uproar.
Now, to those of you who ask the question, “Why does a person’s sexuality have anything to do with sports?” Let me explain the answer as many of us see it. Most of us would love nothing more than to have no more need for Gay Athletic Organizations and Pride Events. But that would require first that there be no more discrimination against people for something they were born with, just as those born a different color than white. Did you know that there has still yet to be an openly gay professional baseball player, or football, basketball, and hockey? (You get the drift) The reason for that is not that there are none (they come out after they retire), but rather that they fear that by coming out they will be immediatley dropped from their contract, just as by doing so gays are still being kicked out of our military, dispite the fact that they are doing excellent jobs in every field where straight people, both men and women, are serving.
So, if by forming a team through which gays are able to form bonds of friendship and even talk about other guys or girls half as much as straight people in sports do, I say FANTASTIC! As far as I’m concerned, on the field of play, I’m positive that these guys and gals will try to play just as strongly as their straight (maybe not all?) counterparts and they will be cheered on just like I have been by fans who may or may not be gay but enjoy the sport and respect all people as equals.
Cheers!
RD
Sandra McGuire — July 20, 2009 @ 10:31 pm
Robert,
Sometimes it’s easier for people to repeat the tales they have been told by those in an authority position, rather than question those statements and beliefs, because to do otherwise would mean that other things that they’ve been told and never had to think about, may also be wrong. If being gay is there from birth, then maybe those born into other religions other than your own are ok, and people of a different race or nationality are as smart (or smarter than) you. Maybe you aren’t a chosen one just because you are part of the club that says they are chosen. To start to question would mean that you start to think for yourself and go to the scary place of uncertainty and admission of ignorance. That place that where wisdom is born. So some people choose to allow themselves to be used by those who are afraid of loosing their positions of power. Whether on the battle field, in sports, or life in general.
The funny thing is, as I read your article, I have today’s mail on my table. There’s a coupon from Victoria’s Secret in there for me. With a model wearing the articles of clothing that made them famous. (my husband swears he didn’t put me on their mailing list LOL). Given a choice, if my niece and nephew were to come over, I would much rather take them to a sporting event where they may see gay athletes, or gays sitting next to one another or holding hands and interacting with those around them, than have them see the mail that some marketing agent didn’t give 2 thoughts to the fact that you can’t guarantee only adults see the mail.
Beth Collier — July 21, 2009 @ 12:13 pm
I don’t think the horses care what you are, so this team should be as competitive as anyone else.