I always wondered what my first diary would be about. Turns out this is it. Chris Kluwe, the NFL punter for the Minnesota Vikings has once again acted for gay rights. Chris has advocated for gay rights and same sex marriages recently. Now he has decided to pose for the current issue OUT magazine. More below the ornate infinity sign.
Chris recently wrote to Maryland pastor and political delegate Emmett C. Burns Jr. about the pastor's letter to the Baltimore Ravens regarding linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo. The pastor wanted the Ravens to prevent Brendon from speaking out on the same-sex marriage issue. Kluwe had this to say in a letter published at Deadspin:
I can assure you that gay people getting married will have zero effect on your life. They won't come into your house and steal your children ... They won't even overthrow the government in an orgy of hedonistic debauchery because all of a sudden they have the same legal rights as the other 90 percent of our population—rights like Social Security benefits, child care tax credits, Family and Medical Leave to take care of loved ones, and COBRA healthcare for spouses and children. You know what having these rights will make gays? Full-fledged American citizens just like everyone else, with the freedom to pursue happiness and all that entails. Do the civil-rights struggles of the past 200 years mean absolutely nothing to you?
Chris has now gone one step further. He putting his face on the subject. There are many athletes that are courageous on the playing field, playing in pain to help their team. Few are willing to apply their beliefs to their personal life. Chris is a straight man that doesn't back down from what's right.
Kluwe has also said via his Twitter account that he's ready and willing to debate any Minnesota politician on the same-sex marriage issue. He recently sent 10 debate invitations to prominent local Republicans, and has not received a response.
This source for this diary is sportswriter Doug Farrar. He writes for Yahoo Sports on the blog "Shutdown Corner".
http://sports.yahoo.com/...
Chris is a vocal and well-written advocate for same sex marriage. He says he wants kids know that they can be athletes no matter what their DNA selects for them. Chris stands with us and I salute him.