David Pocock Rocks A Speedo At The Beach

It may be raining in Las Vegas right now (putting the crimp on my weekend pool time) but things are definitely sunny at the beach where rugger David Pocock rocked his Speedo.

(h/t Wicked Gay Blog)

Michael Sam and more famous athletes invite you to take part in OutOnTheField survey

St. Louis Rams' Michael Sam

Out NFL player Michael Sam and many other prominent athletes urge you to share your story about homophobia in sports at www.outonthefields.com.

Conducted by Penn State and the University of Massachusetts this survey hopes to better equip sporting organizations around the world to handle homophobia-related issues.  The research team is hoping for 7,000 participants.

The results are expected later this year.

It only takes 10 minutes to participate in the first international study. You can help shine a spotlight on the issue and change sports culture. Even if you've never played sports you are invited to take part.

The Burgess Brothers

David Pocock

Australian Rugby Union amends charter to fight homophobia in sports

The Australian Rugby Union has announced changes will be made to the organization's charter regarding homophobia, and endorsing inclusion of any players who may come out.

From Australia's The Daily Telegraph:

The policy, which will be among the first of its kind in world sport, is separate to existing anti-vilification guidelines, and is likely to see elements such as anti-homophobia programs for young players and high-profile stars in public awareness campaigns. It could ultimately even see rugby participants face penalties if guilty of homophobic behaviour.

The ARU will consult with the Australian Sports Commission, Australian Human Rights Commission, players groups and the gay and lesbian community to formulate a policy in time for the 2014 Bingham Cup.

Rugby star David Pocock, who in 2011 came out as an advocate for marriage equality and pledged not to wed his partner Emma til his gay and lesbian friends had the same right, praised the ARU's decision:

"I am stoked. It is fantastic that the ARU is making this commitment to come up with a policy," Pocock said.

"The one thing we have learned over the past year or so is we can’t wait for the government to lead the way on tackling homophobia, so every person needs to do it in their family and their own workplace.

"For me, that’s rugby and I am really excited to hopefully see the impact this makes on young boys and girls coming through, and hopefully having more awareness that rugby — and sport — is for everyone, and no-one should be discriminated against on the basis of sexuality."

"Talking to some of the guys who play for the (gay rugby team) Sydney Convicts, some of their stories are awful. One young guy got voted out of his colts team when he came out to them. Those sort of things aren’t acceptable and it’s about time rugby stood up, and said: 'This isn’t right.'"

Rugby star and marriage equality advocate David Pocock

Australian Rugby star David Pocock on marriage equality

Australian rugby player David Pocock says he supports marriage equality and won't wed his girlfriend until everyone in the country can marry, PinkNews reports. Sitting on a panel for Australia's TV program Q and A, Pocock also challenged homophobia in the sports and throughout the country, denouncing laws that make LGBT people separate and unequal.

"We're dealing with people here," said Pocock. "And how can you blame someone for what they are? People don't choose their sexuality. We marginalize the LGBTI community for what they are. So I think this is a conversation that needs to be had, and we need to discuss it compassionately and actually come to something that's reasonable. And in my mind, that's marriage for everyone, regardless of their sexuality."

Following a round of applause from the audience, member of Parliament John Alexander, whose Liberal Party opposes marriage equality, said that he votes in accord with the conscience of his constituents, who believe marriage is between a man and a woman. He proposed that Australia should have three types of marriage — straight marriage, a "Navratilova" marriage for two women (after lesbian tennis great Martina Navratilova), and "Alexander" marriage for two men, after Alexander the Great.

Via The Advocate

Rugby star David Pocock