The Editor,
Three recent events have prompted me to write. First, the media coverage about the coming out of NBA star Jason Collins. Secondly, a group of women friends discussing whether or not there is a need for a Gay volleyball league. Thirdly, on a recent visit to Steveston, a group of middle-aged patrons joking about a server's sexuality.
The response to Collins has been mixed and highlights some of the prevailing attitudes about homosexuality in our culture. Some people have called him a hero. Others have said it is no one's business, who really cares.
Regardless of where we all sit with our beliefs about homosexuality, there is still discrimination and outright hatred towards people who identify as lesbian, gay, transgendered, bisexual, or queer (LGTBQ).
Why is it important for sports figures, celebrities, or people in positions of power to acknowledge their sexuality? Because young people need to know their "difference" is shared with others. Why is it important to have a gay volleyball league? Because there is still inequality, discrimination and lack of safety for people from the LGTBQ community.
Some of us might feel there is no longer a need to make a big deal about someone's sexuality. However, not everyone has evolved their thinking, their words and their actions.
Coretta Scott King wrote: "Homophobia is like racism, anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity and personhood."
I can accept that homosexuality may not align with someone's religious beliefs, but treating others with respect and rejecting discrimination should be something we can all agree on.
Nancy Hewer Richmond
