SPIEGEL Interview with Orlando Cruz 'I Couldn't Accept Being Gay Because I Was too Afraid'

[xchrom]

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-first-openly-gay-boxer-orlando-cruz-a-866052.html


rlando Cruz, 31, is the world's first professional boxer to come out as gay. In a SPIEGEL interview, he describes the relief he has since felt and his hopes that it would make him a better boxer. He also shows some sympathy for his female admirers.

SPIEGEL: Mr. Cruz, is it important as a boxer to conform to the image of a tough guy?

Cruz: Boxing is a sport that is largely dominated by machos, by men who think we have to conform to a very specific role model. The ideal boxer doesn't think too much, is raw and brimming with strength. I am also fascinated by strength, but for me style is a part of that.

SPIEGEL: At the beginning of October, you announced that you were gay. Then two weeks ago in Florida, you climbed into the ring for the first time since you came out. How did your fans and your opponent react?

Cruz: I had the feeling that the spectators accepted me. They kept calling out my name, much louder than during my earlier fights. My opponent, the Mexican Jorge Pazos, had said beforehand that what I did outside the ring was none of his business. I think that is the right attitude.

[Marrah_G]

1. He has so much courage.

[Fearless]

2. Thank you for having the courage to be yourself

And for helping to endanger bigotry in professional sports. Just a few years ago, I believed it was hopeless, but I am never happier to be proven wrong as each professional athlete comes out and/or comes out in support of LGBT people.

[mitchtv]

3. Good Luck ,Orlando Cruz

you are a brave young man

[Smarmie Doofus]

4. Good interview and link to Justin Fashanu wiki entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Fashanu