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Tag: Caitlin Cahow

  • Brian Boitano: “Being Gay Is Just One Part Of Who I Am”

    After years of singing along to South Park’s “What Would Brian Boitano Do?”, we now have an answer – and it doesn’t include staying trapped in a closet, R. Kelly style.

    After Russia’s legalized banning of gay propaganda banning the Sochi Olympics right back seemed like the best move to many Americans. However, Obama eschewed this choice earlier this year in favor of what he felt might be a more resonant message to Russia – potentially having “gay and lesbian athletes bringing home the gold or silver or bronze.”

    Thus, in lieu of attending the Sochi Olympics’ opening ceremonies himself this year, the president opted to send a delegation in his stead comprising openly gay and lesbian athletic icons as ambassadors. Before Thursday, among the gay and lesbian representatives listed to be attending included former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Billy Jean King, and Caitlin Cahow.

    Now, Brian Boitano, who was also recently named to the delegation, came out on Thursday as the third openly gay athlete in the delegation.

    The news may not have been terribly surprising for everyone; however, Boitano has heretofore chosen to maintain his privacy and explained in his statement, “Being gay is just one part of who I am.” This much is definitely true. The retired American figure skater (who has earned the titles of 1988 Olympic champion, 1986 and 1988 World Champion, and 1985-1988 U.S. National Champion) has also written books, done a bit of acting, landed his own Food Network show, and serves the community.

    “First and foremost I am an American athlete and I am proud to live in a country that encourages diversity, openness and tolerance.” He went on to say, “As an athlete, I hope we can remain focused on the Olympic spirit which celebrates achievement in sport by peoples of all nations.”

    This Olympian is a jack of all trades and a master of at least one (obviously). What’s more, having the openness and willingness to publicly share his personal life for the sake of spreading a message of humanity and acceptance is pretty courageous, too.

    You go, Boitano!

    Image via Twitter

  • Caitlin Cahow Pinned For Sochi Olympic Delegation

    Although President Barack Obama will not be attending the Sochi Olympics, he has picked several interesting candidates to send in his place as part of the presidential delegation. The delegation will be headed by former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and will include tennis player and LGBT activist Billie Jean King, and the openly gay hockey player Caitlin Cahow. This will mark the first time since 2000 that the United States has not sent the president, former president, first lady or vice president to the Games.

    It appears as though President Obama is sending a clear message to Russia, who currently has extremely strict anti-gay laws. Cahow doesn’t seem to mind that she is being sent to make a statement. She actually said that she was elated to be invited to attend. “It’s obviously a statement that’s being made, but I think it’s an incredibly respectful one,” Cahow said.

    “Basically, the White House is highlighting Americans who know what it means to have freedoms and liberties under the Constitution. That’s really what we’re representing in Sochi and it’s not at all different from what’s espoused in the spirit of Olympism,” Cahow continued. “So I think it’s just a great group of people. I can’t believe I’ve been named one of them because it’s a remarkable roster and I just think that we’re going to represent what the best America can be. Hopefully, it will unify all of Team USA and send a message of love and acceptance to the world.”

    King has also communicated her gratification for being named to the delegation. “I am equally proud to stand with the members of the LGBT community in support of all athletes who will be competing in Sochi and I hope these Olympic Games will indeed be a watershed moment for the universal acceptance of all people,” said King.

    Russia has been under extreme criticism for passing their “gay propaganda” laws, however President Vladimir has announced that gay athletes and spectators will not face discrimination if they choose to attend the Sochi Games in February.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons