Meet Australia's first out Olympian- Page 2

[paradox_error]

Posted: 5/31/08 at 9:30pm

It certainly is, Jakebloke

Seriously, the first? I can't believe that! Does Ian Thorpe count? LOL

But, despite the fact I'm a bit incredulous that he's the first openly gay Australian Olympian, I really feel solidarity with him, and proud of him for his decision to be honest and open. Australia is more conservative than people think, so it's not that easy...

Now, if only more could follow suit...

[DG]

Posted: 5/31/08 at 9:37pm

"Now, if only more could follow suit..."

Absolutely! And I think it would be lovely if it started with Ian

But, that's just one of my (many) daydreams . . .

[paradox_error]

Posted: 5/31/08 at 9:49pm

Well, if I had a dollar for every rumour I'd heard...

[DG]

Posted: 5/31/08 at 9:53pm

Doxy - I don't like rumors. I think you should go and find out for sure, and then report back

[tazber]

Posted: 5/31/08 at 10:24pm

Did Greg Louganis not go to the Olympics? I don't remember.

Anyhoo - love the aussie.

[StageManager2]

Posted: 6/1/08 at 1:29am

He did, taz, but he wasn't out then. He didn't officially come out until he'd been diagnosed with AIDS. That was in 1995, I think.

[DBillyP]

Posted: 6/1/08 at 1:56am

And Greg is not Australian.

[paradox_error]

Posted: 6/3/08 at 4:35am

Actually he's one of three, so I just read...

But he's the hottest one, so I guess that counts for something!
Another article, but this lists 2 other out athletes going to Beijing

[Mrs Mangel]

Posted: 6/3/08 at 5:08am

Unfort. I have it first hand that Ian Thorpe ain't gay. Even if he did have his own range of pearl necklaces at one point.

[madbrian]

Posted: 6/3/08 at 6:53am

Thorpe...his nickname is 'The Thorpedo', right?

Updated On: 6/3/08 at 06:53 AM

[Mrs Mangel]

Posted: 6/3/08 at 7:25am

Right. I can't find an image of his necklace, only his pearl fascinator...
Updated On: 6/3/08 at 07:25 AM

[paradox_error]

Posted: 6/3/08 at 7:54am

Still don't believe it, Mangel, I just can't...

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/3/08 at 8:14am

He is just adorable. And he has PERFECT form.

Anyone know the status of the efforts to raise money for his lover to go to the Olympics with him?

Greg Louganis came out at the opening ceremonies for the 1994 Gay Games at Yankee Stadium. Although everyone knew he was gay for years, it was a big deal in 1994 for a celebrity to publicly acknowledge he was gay.

And for Greg to do that at the opening ceremonies was a huge thrill and an incredible boost to all the gay and lesbian athletes who were performing.

A years later he came out as HIV positive, one of the first openly gay celebrities to acknowledge that publicly.