Johnny Weir Condemns U.S. Olympic Committee For Choosing Anti-Gay London Liason

Johnny Weir

When Johnny Weir first came into the national spotlight as a figure skater, he'd often answer questions about his sexuality with, "It's not part of my sport and it's private. I can sleep with whomever I choose and it doesn't affect what I'm doing on the ice."

But since he came out in 2011 and began starring in Logo's Be Good Johnny Weir, he's become much more outspoken about queer issues.

Most recently he spoke out against the recent naming of anti-gay, Prop 8 supporter Peter Vidmar as the U.S. Olympic liaison for the International Olympic Committee and London games organizers. The U.S. Olympic Committee stands by Vidmar despite his $2,000 donation and public protest in favor of California's Prop 8 saying, "We respect Peter’s right to religious freedom, and we understand and respect he fact that many Americans do not share his views… Peter is a tireless advocate for sport in this country and someone who has inspired many with his successes in the world of sport. That is why we chose him as our chef for the London Games."

Nevertheless, Weir condemns their choice, telling the Chicago Tribune: “I certainly wouldn’t want to be represented by someone who is anti gay marriage. It isn’t just about marriage, it is being allowed equal rights as Americans. The fact this man who is very publicly against something that may be represented on the American team is disgraceful.”

Bart Connor with Peter Vidmar

Timothy Kincaid of Box Turtle Bulletin adds, "In today’s highly competitive television market where a downtick of just a few percentage of viewers can cost the Olympics millions, and in which corporations (including those who fund the Olympics) are supportive of gay equality and very hesitant to align with negative associations, this is a risky way to operate." 

While any individual has the right to hold their personal views on any issue, any organization has the right to decide who represents them in such a public fashion. And it's fair to ask in 2011 whether someone with such anti-gay views should really be representing America. (via Outsports)

What do you think?