Queers - and homophobia - in sports. In 1975, former 49er David Kopay came out as gay, wrote a bestselling book about it, and rocked the sports world. 37 years later, despite all the gains for gay rights generally, only a handful of major athletes have followed him out of the closet.He’s still an activist and athlete, and the official race starter for this year’s SF FrontRunners Pride Run, June 23 in Golden Gate Park. Kopay shared his story on Out in the Bay. Joining him to talk about queer athletes and homophobia in sports were Helen Carroll, who leads the Sports Project at the National Center for Lesbian Rights; Roger Brigham, "Jock Talk" writer for the Bay Area Reporter; and long-time FrontRunner Katharine Holland. Eric Jansen hosts.
First out gay NFL player tells his story on Out in the Bay
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David Kopay on the cover of ManDate a few years after he retired from pro football and came out as gay
ManDate
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David Kopay (left) at closing ceremonies of Gay Games VII, Chicago, 2006, with world champion powerlifter Chris Morgan, B.A.R. sports columnist Roger Brigham, and Golden Gate Wrestling Club President Gene Dermody.
courtesy of Roger Brigham