Saturday, August 23, 2008

Mitcham takes Gold!

Australia's Matthew Mitcham takes the GOLD in the mens 10m in Beijing, the only diving event not won by the Chinese.



I know that Matt only wants to be known as a diver in the press. But for me, this event has strengthened my hope that we are reaching the base of a solid global perspective on equality. I read that out of over 10,000, Matt is the only openly gay man at the Beijing Olympics. And he is first out athlete ever from Australia, where aquatics are the highest profile sports in the country. As the golden child of the Olympics, at the beginning of his career, his international profile vaults him beyond "gay athlete" to "athlete". This may seem trivial, but from my perspective true equality is about defining ourselves by what we do with our character and actions, NOT who we are. To denote a person by their race, gender or orientation is perhaps natural, but it does not make it right. Despite variations, we are all people. Equality is more than tolerance, it is moving past petty differences to living life as a true community. The past model of social segregation, compartmentalization and projected stereotyping is ending. The new model of social non issue, collective engagement and individualized personalities is coming. Matt is a great example of this new model.

So that is my long bit to say that Matt is my hero of the moment for simply being what every kid, gay or straight, should be able to be; open, comfortable and happy.

Thank you Matt for just being yourself.

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