Recently, a famous rugby player retired from the sport to start the world's first anti-bullying foundation: Ben Cohen's Stand Up Foundation.
He started his international campaign tour in Atlanta--partnering with Atlanta's gay rugby team, the Atlanta Bucks. Ben understands that people are being bullied because of their sexual orientation. He wants to make a change and raise money for LGBT organizations to help end the bullying and suicides that happen because of peoples intolerance. Even adults are being bullied by other adults--especially when it comes to sports.
DID I MENTION THAT BEN COHEN IS STRAIGHT?
Recently, many athletes have been called out for using prejudice slurs against gays. Kobe Bryant was fined $100,000 for calling a referee a "faggot". Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger Mcdowell was suspended and fined for using anti-gay slurs against fans of the opposing team. The Kansas City Chiefs' running back Larry Johnson was fired for ill behavior that included using anti-gay slurs against his coach. There are several other instances, but I think you get the point.
Gays are finally being recognized and defended by the media and major sports organizations. Using anti-gay slurs to be mean is no longer okay. If I wanted to offend someone that I had a problem with, should I call them a "nigger"? No. And that is what is happening with the public's understanding of the use of such words as "faggot" or "homo". Hopefully, the rap industry will start using the same rationale--but that might take a while.
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