The pro-LGBT news from the world of sports keeps growing, with news that Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish are the first two male tennis star to join Athlete Ally, a nonprofit sports resource encouraging all individuals involved in sports to respect every member of their communities, regardless of perceived or actual sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, and to lead others in doing the same.
“It’s people like Andy and Mardy who will help pave the way for LGBT athletes in tennis,” said Martina Navratilova, who sits on the Athlete Ally Advisory Board. “Though coming out is an intensely personal decision, with each new Athlete Ally that speaks out, an LGBT athlete could feel more comfortable coming out.”
Andy Roddick said in a statement: “Yesterday was an incredible day for athletes everywhere. Jason Collins’ courage and leadership in coming out reminds me of how important it is for an athlete to be able to be true to him or herself. As an Athlete Ally, I want to support every athlete to feel comfortable and confident being themselves and to make sure that all people – players and fans alike – are welcome and included in tennis.”
Mardy tweeted:
Related:
Martina Navratilova wrote a great column for Sports Illustrated today, calling Collins' move a "game-changer" that will save lives. Read HERE.
