I personally can't imagine gay NHL hockey players but I could be wrong, of course.
No. I've marched four times in Toronto's gay parade, so I know what this is about. The first I attended was with my son Brendan, who was gay, and we just watched. After we lost him in the car accident [in 2010] I marched the next year. Rick Mercer has marched with me; kids have marched with me; a number of players have marched with me. [Flames players] Mark Giordano and Sean Monahan marched with me last summer. I've gotten great support ... My goal is that one day we won't need a parade. But for now, I'm glad we do. Keep in mind]How did Brendan tell you he was gay?[/b]
We were in Vancouver. I don't remember the date because to me it wasn't a big event. He had come out that week to his brother and two sisters. I came home from an event in Vancouver and it was late and he said, 'I need to talk to you.' And I said, 'What's up?' and he said, 'I'm gay.' I said, 'Oh. Are you sure? Some people go through a questioning phase.' He said he was, and I hugged him. I told him, 'It doesn't change anything, Brendan. You've given us a million reasons to love you and this doesn't change a thing.' Then I hugged him ... and I looked into his eyes and said, 'You know what the best part is? I don't have to take anything back.' No homophobic comments in our house. No racial comments in our house. A lot of parents, when their child comes out, they want to do the right thing but they've got to rebuild some bridges.
I don't think it's a judgment about a player's sexuality as much as it's habitual. A guy hits you from behind, what do you do? You get up and curse at him and you pick up the biggest rock you can find and throw it as hard as you can. So what's the worst insult we have? It's a homophobic slur; the multisyllabic slur that ends in 'r.' It's just what you say in that situation. It doesn't make it less hurtful. It doesn't make it acceptable. It was that way when I played too. I have no hesitation in being truthful; I said some things I wish I could take back ... But I think we'd have a far worse problem if players were actually making that judgment and still saying it.
Basically, You Can Play says, 'If you're good enough to play, you can play on my team.'
It's a powerful message and I know it has saved lives. I know for a fact it has empowered kids to tell their parents they're gay because I get mail from these kids.
I got a wonderful letter from a dad in Ontario who said he was driving his son back to university and the son said, 'Pull over at this liquor store' – which the dad thought was odd because his son didn't drink. He pulled over and the son said, 'Dad, I'm gay.' And the dad said, 'I didn't know what to say. But if [being supportive] was good enough for Brian Burke, it is good enough for me.'
We have gay players in the NHL. Statistically, we know that. It's not like this year will be the first time for a gay player. Obviously they're not comfortable in coming out. Jason Collins came out in the NBA but as a player near the end of his career. It's only a matter of time before a player comes out from a current roster in one of those sports and then you'll see numerous others. I think that athlete, when he does come out, will be amazed at the reception he gets, the acceptance he sees.
Brian Burke is an idiot and marching in a parade does not change that fact.
Come on, Shen. He's doing it in honor of his son. It must be painful to lose him at a young age. Parents don't want that.
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
I understand that he is grieving. However, marching in a fucking parade changes nothing.
Honouring his son's memory by marching in a parade does not make him an idiot.
What would you do if your child came out gay Shen?
Somehow, I don't think many/if any NHL players coming out is gonna happen anytime soon.
Hockey is an extremely violent and physical sport where players punch each other out wall the time and blood is frequently spilt. Can you imagine the furor which would result if the truth came out?
I can imagine players suing each other wanting to kill the other guy and saying stuff like "What? You started a fight with me and spread your blood all over me? You coulda infected me with your social diseases. I'm gonna sue you for using your bodily fluids as a dangerous weapon. In fact I'm gonna kill you."
...and so on.
Quote from: "Frank"
Hockey is an extremely violent and physical sport where players punch each other out wall the time and blood is frequently spilt. Can you imagine the furor which would result if the truth came out?
I can imagine players suing each other wanting to kill the other guy and saying stuff like "What? You started a fight with me and spread your blood all over me? You coulda infected me with your social diseases. I'm gonna sue you for using your bodily fluids as a dangerous weapon. In fact I'm gonna kill you."
...and so on.
Social diseases!!! ac_toofunny
You're such a clown Joe.
Quote from: "Shen Li"
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
I understand that he is grieving. However, marching in a fucking parade changes nothing.
I have lost a child..
You have no idea of the pain that tragedy brings..
I can relate to Brian Burke.
Oh Fash. I'm so sorry to hear that. :(
My heart breaks for every parent who has lost a child.
Quote from: "RW"
My heart breaks for every parent who has lost a child.
I will never stop grieving.
ac_crying
I wouldn't expect you to. ac_crying
Quote from: "Fashionista"
Quote from: "Shen Li"
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
I understand that he is grieving. However, marching in a fucking parade changes nothing.
I have lost a child..
You have no idea of the pain that tragedy brings..
I can relate to Brian Burke.
I'm so sorry, Fash.
I can't even imagine the kind of pain losing a child can bring. You have all my sympathies.
Quote from: "Renee"
Quote from: "Fashionista"
Quote from: "Shen Li"
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
I understand that he is grieving. However, marching in a fucking parade changes nothing.
I have lost a child..
You have no idea of the pain that tragedy brings..
I can relate to Brian Burke.
I'm so sorry, Fash.
I can't even imagine the kind of pain losing a child can bring. You have all my sympathies.
Thank you Renee.
I have lost 2, one mid teen, one young man, so I will speak "here", damn it.
I have done things toward making the world safer for others in areas that relate to their deaths
Go public about any part of them not related to their deaths nor helpful to keep others alive? Not a chance in hell.
I have to turn the TV down when I hear parents being interviewed and spilling their guts - not sure if I detest the media or them the most.
As to his loss directly, I can relate to Brian Burke.
As to going public, and especially using his dead son for a cause totally unrelated to the death, I cannot relate to Brian Burke in the slightest
Quote from: "cc la femme"
I have done things toward making the world safer for others in areas that relate to their deaths
Go public about any part of them not related to their deaths nor helpful to keep others alive? Not a chance in hell.
I have to turn the TV down when I hear parents being interviewed and spilling their guts - not sure if I detest the media or them the most.
As to his loss directly, I can relate to Brian Burke.
As to going public, and especially using his dead son for a cause totally unrelated to the death, I cannot relate to Brian Burke in the slightest
Holy fucking shit CC. I knew you lost one, but this is news to me. There's nothing I can say, so I will leave it at that.
I agree though about Burke or parents like him. They make me fucking puke.
Really? Parents who hold on to pieces of their dead children by attending public events they once attended with said child make you sick?
I'm sorry Shen, but FUCK YOU. How dare you judge someone who has lost a child? How dare you dictate what a parent should or shouldn't do with their grief. Comments like that make me want to puke!
Quote from: "cc la femme"
I have done things toward making the world safer for others in areas that relate to their deaths
Go public about any part of them not related to their deaths nor helpful to keep others alive? Not a chance in hell.
I have to turn the TV down when I hear parents being interviewed and spilling their guts - not sure if I detest the media or them the most.
As to his loss directly, I can relate to Brian Burke.
As to going public, and especially using his dead son for a cause totally unrelated to the death, I cannot relate to Brian Burke in the slightest
:swoon: ac_crying
Quote from: "RW"
I'm sorry Shen, but FUCK YOU. How dare you judge someone who has lost a child? How dare you dictate what a parent should or shouldn't do with their grief. Comments like that make me want to puke!
Yes, I hate Brian Burke, so deal with it. He's a showboater, an asshole and has no problem using his boy's death to advance his own career.
When they were handing out ethics, he wasn't even in line.
Quote from: "Shen Li"
Quote from: "RW"
I'm sorry Shen, but FUCK YOU. How dare you judge someone who has lost a child? How dare you dictate what a parent should or shouldn't do with their grief. Comments like that make me want to puke!
Yes, I hate Brian Burke, so deal with it. He's a showboater, an asshole and has no problem using his boy's death to advance his own career.
When they were handing out ethics, he wasn't even in line.
Shen Li, how dare you presume to know what a grieving parent feels..
I know what Brian Burke is feeling.
Shen is not talking about "what a grieving parent feels" related to "grieving"
She's talking about his use / misuse of the lad's death for a cause that is unrelated to his death
Something that I feel too strongly about to say what I REALLY feel about it, in fact
Quote from: "cc la femme"
She's talking about his use / misuse of the lad's death for a cause that is unrelated to his death
Misuse of a child's death? Again cc, who dictates how a parent should handle his or her grief? The cause is related to his child's LIFE.
Quote from: "RW"
Quote from: "cc la femme"
She's talking about his use / misuse of the lad's death for a cause that is unrelated to his death
Misuse of a child's death? Again cc, who dictates how a parent should handle his or her grief? The cause is related to his child's LIFE.
That's exactly how I see it too RW..
I lost my baby girl as a tyke..
If she had lived to be a young woman I too would have honoured her memory with things that brought meaning to her life..
If she was a lesbian, you can be sure I would be marching in a parade.
Never has one thread made me so incredibly angry and so incredibly sad at the same time.
Quote from: "RW"
Oh my, you should see it from my eyes and with my heart RW.
I'm sorry Fash, but I don't ever want to :s0732:
Quote from: "cc la femme"
She's talking about his use / misuse of the lad's death for a cause that is unrelated to his death
Something that I feel too strongly about to say what I REALLY feel about it, in fact
Fucking Bullseye CC. Burke is and always has been a self-serving piece of human excrement. I wish it was him instead of his fruit son that died.
Quote from: "Shen Li"
Quote from: "cc la femme"
She's talking about his use / misuse of the lad's death for a cause that is unrelated to his death
Something that I feel too strongly about to say what I REALLY feel about it, in fact
Fucking Bullseye CC. Burke is and always has been a self-serving piece of human excrement. I wish it was him instead of his fruit son that died.
ac_umm
I wish you'd learn how to express your hatred without making yourself look like a complete asshole.
Quote from: "RW"
Shen Li is a friend of mine, but when she talks like this I lose all respect for her.
I like the part where he says his goal is that one day there won't be a need for a parade. By that comment, he is no idiot to me. In fact, that comment tells me that HE GETS IT. ac_drinks
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
There never was any need for a parade. It's a parade people, not a cure for cancer.
Quote
Oh puhleease. It's Brain Burke ffs. He's an attention whoring asshole.
You don't like Brian Burke. We get it.
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
You marms like most mothers are well-meaning, but face it, hockey is a blood sport, especially at the professional level. Even its biggest players get beat up badly by other players. Its not a game for sissies. Right or wrong, the locker room is a man's domain, and what goes on there is manspeak. I know that sounds corny, but that's the way it is. I know that Burke is mourning the loss of his son, paying respects to him, but a dose of reality needs to be injected here. If you want pc to prevail, then go to an art show or the Interior Design convention.
I remember ex Boston Bruin went on HNIC once and used the term 'pansification' to describe how the NHL was turning into a sissy game, and he was run down by the Gay Community for his comments. That footage was on YT, but I guess pc had it taken down.
Quote from: "RW"
He's an overrated GM/prez too.
I'll take your word for it.
Are you sure he's using this Gay Parade to further his career? Come on. I think he is already doing just fine.
Are you saying I was furthering my career when I joined the March of Dimes walkathon and raised thousands of dollars for it because my youngest was a preemie? Burke went on the parade to honor the memory of his son. We do our celebrating and honouring differently that's why it's different strokes for different folks.
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
Are you saying I was furthering my career when I joined the March of Dimes walkathon and raised thousands of dollars for it because my youngest was a preemie? Burke went on the parade to honor the memory of his son. We do our celebrating and honouring differently that's why it's different strokes for different folks.
Brian Burke does seem to like the limelight. Now, that is not to say he does not believe Gay Pride Parades serve a purpose.
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
Are you saying I was furthering my career when
That's wonderful Azhya.
:thumbup:
... isn't brian burke the guy who sued a bunch of people for posting their opinions on an internet message board? the guy's a total idiot ...
Quote from: "the shark hunter"
I forgot about that one Sharkie. Yeah, it was about a rumour that got started that he was fired from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Quote from: "Frank"I can imagine players suing each other wanting to kill the other guy and saying stuff like "What? You started a fight with me and spread your blood all over me? You coulda infected me with your social diseases. I'm gonna sue you for using your bodily fluids as a dangerous weapon. In fact I'm gonna kill you." ...and so on.[/quote
Joe lives in a time machine. This post came straight out of 1982!
There are gay athletes, store clerks, architects, bus drivers, doctors, florists... Joe probably rubbed shoulders with gay(s) today.
We are everywhere! Get used to it.
cc and Fash, I am really sorry for your loss. I had no idea. I send you hugs.
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
I could not even fathom that.
Gays have already got what they want. They paraded, they can get married and so on and so forth so their parading is no longer necessary. Time to give it a rest now and live normal lives like the rest of us...keeping our sexual preferences to ourselves, not parading around about it.
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
What really bothers me is that politicians feel pressured to be in attendance.
Spineless politicians.
Quote from: "Shen Li"
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
What really bothers me is that politicians feel pressured to be in attendance.
Being a politician is about pressure but I agree. People shouldn't attend if they don't personally want to. I suspect they want the gay vote though.
Quote from: "RW"
Quote from: "Shen Li"
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
What really bothers me is that politicians feel pressured to be in attendance.
Being a politician is about pressure but I agree. People shouldn't attend if they don't personally want to. I suspect they want the gay vote though.
Why are there so many gay people now, eh 'Real?
Its as if they've taken over - especially political parties like the NDP.
Well, at least Gay Boy Bob's gotta home there now.
Quote from: "Frank"
Quote from: "RW"
Quote from: "Shen Li"
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
What really bothers me is that politicians feel pressured to be in attendance.
Being a politician is about pressure but I agree. People shouldn't attend if they don't personally want to. I suspect they want the gay vote though.
Why are there so many gay people now, eh 'Real?
Its as if they've taken over - especially political parties like the NDP.
Well, at least Gay Boy Bob's gotta home there now.
It's because you are so fucking sexy Frank. You convert the straighties in droves.
Quote from: "RW"
Quote from: "Frank"
Quote from: "RW"
Quote from: "Shen Li"
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
What really bothers me is that politicians feel pressured to be in attendance.
Being a politician is about pressure but I agree. People shouldn't attend if they don't personally want to. I suspect they want the gay vote though.
Why are there so many gay people now, eh 'Real?
Its as if they've taken over - especially political parties like the NDP.
Well, at least Gay Boy Bob's gotta home there now.
It's because you are so fucking sexy Frank. You convert the straighties in droves.
...Anthony & Cleopatra
...Romeo an' Juliet
...me 'n Real
It jes had ta happen one day
'Was meant ta be, R.
Quote from: "RW"
Quote from: "Shen Li"
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
What really bothers me is that politicians feel pressured to be in attendance.
Being a politician is about pressure but I agree. People shouldn't attend if they don't personally want to. I suspect they want the gay vote though.
I don't have much use for politics as a profession.
The gays parading in the Calgary Gay Pride parade were very civilized.
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
Not the outrageous nudity and worse we see at other parades Azhya?
That's good.
Quote from: "Frank"
Quote from: "RW"
Quote from: "Frank"
Quote from: "RW"
Quote from: "Shen Li"
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
What really bothers me is that politicians feel pressured to be in attendance.
Being a politician is about pressure but I agree. People shouldn't attend if they don't personally want to. I suspect they want the gay vote though.
Why are there so many gay people now, eh 'Real?
Its as if they've taken over - especially political parties like the NDP.
Well, at least Gay Boy Bob's gotta home there now.
It's because you are so fucking sexy Frank. You convert the straighties in droves.
...Anthony & Cleopatra
...Romeo an' Juliet
...me 'n Real
It jes had ta happen one day
'Was meant ta be, R.
You should Skype with us one day Frank. I know you have Skype. We can make it official.
Quote from: "Fashionista"
Quote from: "Shen Li"
Quote from: "Azhya Aryola"
I understand that he is grieving. However, marching in a fucking parade changes nothing.
I have lost a child..
You have no idea of the pain that tragedy brings..
I can relate to Brian Burke.
I'm so sorry to hear that Fash. Being very close to losing my daughter several times I can imagine the grief you must still be having. Your child will forever be in your mind and heart. I hope that knowing one day you will be with them again will ease your pain. Hugs to you, your are a very strong and wonderful person acc_hugz