Rugby Player Keegan Hirst Comes Out

In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Mirror, Batley Rugby League player Keegan Hirsh "came out" and becomes the first British openly gay Rugby League player.

In the interview citing his wife blaming herself for the couple's seperation he explained to her why they were no longer meant to be together to show it was not her fault for the breakup.

His wife, family, teammates and other rugby players have been nothing but supportive. As far as opposition fans and players who may now target him with "homosexual" taunts the 27 year-old says he can handle any abuse, "I'm comfortable in my own skin, probably for the first time ever". Welcome Home Keegan Hirsh.

I AM CAIT .. I'm pleasantly surprised

To be very honest when I first heard about the upcoming program about Caitlyn Jenner I wasn't going to watch. I'm not into all those silly celeb "reality" shows which are enough to nauseate anyone except those who like to stand and watch the remnants of  a motor vehicle accident. But this being Monday evening and nothing else on I figured I'd give it a go and most likely change the channel in 10 minutes as all it's going to be is one big poof (no pun intended) piece about Jenner deciding what wardrobe to wear on any given day.

I didn't watch the Diane Sawyer interview at all nor Jenner receiving the ESPY award on ESPN until after it was aired. Well  I Am Cait was one of the most enjoyable programs I've watched.

Behold The Champion Caitlyn Jenner

In 10 minutes Caitlyn Jenner has done more for persons of transgender than has ever been done in all these many years I've been writing about LGBTs.

She used her spotlight on ESPN's The ESPYS to bring hope and understanding to countless many, young and old, who identify as T.

She got applause in all the right places and a standing ovation at the end. Tears in the eyes of some and near tears in others. I was struck by the expression of Kiefer Sutherland when the camera happened to be on him in what can be best described as taking it all in and truly understanding that what Jenner and others go through to be who they are is not an easy road to hoe.

There was much speculation and criticism that this would be one big publicity stunt on the behalf of Jenner what with a new reality show upcoming and ABC/ESPN as a ratings pusher. And well it could have turned out that way but the winner in all this is the community of the T.

Minds will not be changed overnight, some will never change, but a more graceful champion of transgenders has not been seen before. No brow beating, no chest beating, no controversy for "the cause". Just an eloquent display of humanity, from one person to another person.

Anita Bryant Galvanized A Movement

There she was in all her bible thumping glory in the late 70's fighting against homosexuality using every venue at her disposal to show the Evil of de gay.

Anita Bryant though unwittingly became the "best friend" we as a community could have had.

To say that her resounding anti-gay bigotry backfired on her is certainly an understatement.

Once the Queen of orange juice and a popular singer all came crashing down in flames when she lost everything except her contemptible hated filled stance on gays.

There have been many incidents and people against LGBTs who have brought a call to action to protect this community but none more significant in her time than Anita Bryant.

For that we owe her thanks and gratitude in showing how the haters won't defeat us .. ever.