Skating on Thin Ice

Last week two French Canadian broadcasters for the Winter Olympics criticized American figure skater Johnny Weir, saying his costumes and "body language" set a "bad example" for male skaters. See what they said below:

"This may not be politically correct, but do you think he lost points due to his costume and his body language?" "They'll think all the boys who skate will end up like him. It sets a bad example." "We should make him pass a gender test at this point.”

The announcers then compared Weir to female South African runner Caster Semenya, who was forced to take a gender test after there was speculation that she might be a man. One of them even suggested that Weir should be competing against women. In fact, all across the world, it seems Johnny Weir has been hit hard with a myriad of homophobic slurs and derogatory statements! Dallas radio personality for KRLD-FM, Gregg Henson referred to Weir as a "queen" not too long ago, also saying "It's your choice to live that lifestyle"! Australia's Channel Nine is also under fire for homophobic remarks made while broadcasting - even going as far as to say "They don't leave anything in the locker room with these blokes, do they?" and referring to some of his costumes as "a bit of Brokeback"!

As you can imagine, these comments have made their way around the internet and a lot of people are very offended and calling these people homophobic and sexist. A Quebec gay rights group promptly filed a complaint against the two French Canadian broadcasters, who later issued an apology.

Guess who is the one person keeping their cool in the midst of all this hate?

Johnny Weir.

Weir, who was interviewed in lieu of the commentators' jabs, was poised and positive as he held his head high and said, very plainly:

“I want that to be public because I don’t want more boys and girls to have have their whole lives questioned for no reason other than to make people watch a program. I hope more kids can grow up the same way I did, and can feel the freedom to be themselves and express themselves. There’s a whole generation of people who aren’t defined by their sex or their race, or who they sleep with. You know what your values are and what you believe in, and I think that’s the most important thing."

Check out the rest of the interview below:

Well played, Johnny.

And to the two broadcaster bigots, I have one thing to say; let’s see YOU guys do a triple axle followed by a triple lutz... and then maybe we’ll listen to your homophobic slurs.

-Vignette-Noelle Lammott, Fish out of Water Blog Commentator -

"To find out more information about LGBTQ rights, gay marriage, religion and homosexuality, The Bible's stance on gay relationships or the politics around gay mariage please feel free to contact us or book a screening of FISH OUT OF WATER. Please note that a study guide can be downloaded from the "Book A Screening" page atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"