Gary A. Vasquez-USA Today Sports
With Russia announcing that their anti-gay laws will be enforced against Olympic athletes and tourists, many have offered their two cents. On Tuesday, Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder and gay athlete Robbie Rogers offered his opinion in a USA Today Sports piece.
You can read Rogers’ great piece for yourself, but simply put, Rogers thinks no one’s Olympic moment should be ruined because of Russia’s anti-gay laws.
Since being his true self and coming out in February and returning to soccer, Rogers has had an eventful year. Rogers himself knows how it feels to be bullied for being gay and having to hide the true Robbie Rogers. At the same time, Rogers has been courageous and doesn’t shy away from letting people know who he really is.
Rogers fondly remembers how great it felt to hear the USA chants during the 2008 Summer Olympics, and wants every athlete, whether gay or straight, to experience the same thing. Even if you disagree with the anti-gay laws like Rogers does, it should not take away from athletes continue doing what the love doing and living their life the way it should.
Of all the opinions on what to do about the anti-gay laws, Rogers has been the best. He’s not telling people to stay quiet, or lash out at Russia, but is simply saying be your true self.
In a society filled with many fake, two-faced people, Rogers encouragement is refreshing. Olympians and professional athletes are society’s role models, especially for younger generations. Many have been poor role models, but Rogers has been an excellent role model especially to the LGBQT community.
Once again, Rogers has inspired the soccer community and the greater society. As Rogers mentioned, the 2014 Olympics is an opportunity to be our true selves and a teachable moment for allowing equal rights for all, and athletes shouldn’t boycott this opportunity.
Phil Naegely is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Like him on Facebook, follow on Twitter @PnaegelyRS, and on Google.
