We didn't quite get to this is class due to the Internet being down but in 1999 Corey Johnson a High School linebacker and guard declared his homosexuality to the public and his teammates. What was very unusual about his story is that he did not see any ridicule or harassment from his teammates or anyone in his high school. When I read this I was in shock because like I said in class I could not imagine someone on my hockey team coming out to us of being homosexual. I feel if someone were to come out in a high school it would be very hard on them mentally. I say this because not only would they get harassment from people from their own high school but from their opponents and the opposing fans. By receiving harassment from these people I feel as if it would break them down and they would quite the sport, but that is what is the best part of Corey Johnson, he was still respected as an athlete from his teammates and school. Corey Johnson was strong because after looking up his story online he got a lot of harassment from an opposing player. Johnson said the opponent said "Faggot, we're going to kill you, you fucking homo." (excuse the language) But to me this takes a lot of guts to go out and and take this from a opponent and still have a level head to play. Overall, I feel as if the story of Corey Johnson is an amazing story how he can be so strong after he came out and still live the life he has been living.
I agree that this is an amazing story. I think one of the reasons that it was in the news was because it was such a reversal of what anyone might have expected. Interestingly, from what I read, the story of Corey's coming out was one of the things that inspired Andrew Goldstein to come out during his career in College Lacrosse. Perhaps this also helps to explain why it would be so important for an elite gay athlete to come out during their playing career.
ReplyDeleteIf a young high school student has the guts to come out, why cant professional athletes. I do not agree with people hiding who they are.
ReplyDeleteWow Brandon, lots of explicit language here, but I think you did a tremendous job at capturing the moment. It must have been so hard for young Corey to come out of the closet. I know that there is a lot of peer pressure in high school to be anti-gay, and often-times in the locker room it is common to call someone "gay" or "homo" as a joke. For Corey to have the guts to come out like this takes a lot of courage and bravery. This is another inspirational piece of literature you have brought to our attention, and I hope Corey has a successful high school career, not only on the football field, but in the classroom, amongst his peers and family, and everywhere else as well.
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