March 12, 2010 – The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) released the following statement regarding Johnny Weir’s confirmation today that Stars on Ice has refused to invite him to participate.
“Johnny Weir is a two time Olympian and three time U.S. champion. Other athletes of his caliber would be granted the opportunity to perform during national tours like Stars on Ice,” said Jarrett Barrios, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). “By choosing not to bring the performances and talent of Johnny Weir to American audiences, Stars on Ice is reinforcing an unfortunate double standard that is too often applied to gay athletes and athletes perceived to be gay.”
“GLAAD calls on Stars on Ice to invite all eligible figure skaters because today people of all gender expressions and sexual orientations are part of the fabric of our culture. Athletes of Weir’s caliber deserve the same rights to perform on this, and any, tour.”
“We urge community members to speak out against this apparent double standard and call on Stars on Ice and corporate sponsor Smucker’s to demand equal opportunities for all athletes.”
An online petition can be found here:
http://www.change.org/glaad/actions/view/act_now_tell_stars_on_ice_that_excluding_skater_johnny_weir_from_its_tour_is_unacceptable
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