The PRIDE Center Presents

Our Mission:

Esera Tuaolo

The PB Poorman PRIDE Resource Center provides the campus with an inclusive, safe, and fun atmosphere that embraces diversity and allows individuals to explore issues of gender and sexual identities. The PPRC staff strives to support the social, emotional, academic, and professional development of the LGBT* community and allies by providing high quality services, information, and opportunities in order to: Empower students Foster leadership Strengthen awareness Advocate for equality Cultivate community

Openly Gay Former NFL Player

April 9th, 2014 7:00 P.M UC Hamilton RM

The Facts
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people continue to face homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and other barriers to participating in sport, and to a lesser extent in other physical activity. This has a negative impact on the numbers of LGBT people taking part in sports. Gay athletes are terrified by the prospect of coming out of the closet because of the potential consequences rejection by their coaches or negative reactions on the part of teammates Homophobia is part and parcel of male sports, because to be one of the guys is, by definition, to be homophobic. Team sports give boys and adult men an opportunity to engage in homosexual behavior without being perceived as gay. Jason Collins became the first active male player in the four major American professional sports to come out as gay. Missouris All-American defensive end, Michael Sam, came out to the public in an interview with ESPN and he is expected to be drafted into the NFL. Colleges are complicit. College sports are a space where homophobic slurs, physical and psychological abuse are not only acceptable but considered normal. While about 23 percent of high school athletes come out and play interscholastic sports, only 2 to 5 percent of college athletes are out

Esera Tuaolo
Esera Tuaolo played in the NFL for 10 consecutive seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons (1998 Super Bowl contender team) and the Carolina Panthers. He was the first Rookie in Packer history to start all 16 games and was a member of the 1991 all-rookie team.. Since coming out of the closet in 2003, he has been speaking to schools and corporations about homophobia in sports, creating a safe environment for employees, bullying, and many other forms of discrimination. As a gay man in the hyper-masculine culture of professional football, Tuaolo felt forced to hide his sexuality. He led a double life that deeply depressed him, but which he now looks back on with a new perspective. During this difficult time, he persevered by following his mothers example and maintaining a strong sense of faith. One of only three former N.F.L. players to ever come out, he has received huge amounts of support: from old teammates, the media, friends and family. Now he brings his incredible story to the podium to inspire others to achieve their best by speaking to their individual truths without fear or intimidation.

Welcoming Remarks Introduction of Speaker Speaker: Esera Tuaolo Q&A