There was a time the word ‘gay’ was used on a daily basis to refer to something as happy or nice. Yet in the case of ignorance, certain words in the English language become butchered, altering its’ true meaning. In the 1970’s, Billy Crystal played a gay character in the TV series named Soap. This was so controversial at the time that the Moral Majority had their membership boycott the sponsors. The show was temporarily halted until compromise was had.  Today the institution of marriage has been attacked and re-defined. I am understanding toward the individuals living and caring for each other as a couple and when one becomes ill why shouldn’t that partner be entitled to health benefits, pension or insurance money for which premiums were paid. Personally my view of marriage is between a man and woman yet my question is why couldn’t they just add a new category of marriage and call it a ‘civil union’, entitling same sex partnerships with the benefits and equality they seek. Now the focus shifts to the world of Professional Sport as, Jason Collins an NBA player, comes out of the closet to pronounce his sexual orientation. He will be looked upon as a champion of the cause, the first to come out in Pro Sports with many more to follow. With his picture already on the SI cover, I question his motive. There are many ‘gay’ athletes but what does sexual orientation have to do with ability. Many influential people in the World were gay, did this affect their ability? Even Spartan Warriors were grouped as couples and fought side by side being gay didn’t stop them from their duty. The former GM of the Leafs, Brain Burke, lost his son, who was gay, after his death he created a public service announcement using his players to state, “You can play”. Personally I thought what’s the purpose? Traditional society has difficulty with this issue and using Celebrity to influence pride may be scaring those with narrow minds. They may think some may be prone to experiment with homosexuality, just like the youth amongst us that are full of tattoos and piercing because of the Celebrity influence.

My Father always said respect those that respect you. I just take exception of those that force themselves upon anyone.

Sincerely-Philip Magnoli, my friends call me Don Filippo-The FX Specialist- www.donfilippo.ca

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