Brazilian Volleyball Fans Show Outpouring of Support for Gay Player

Michael, left, and his team's "libero"

Last week we mentioned the story of a Brazilian volleyball player (volleyball is huge in Brazil) named Michael who came out and was heaped with abuse by opposing fans when his team, Volei Futuro, played a match against Sada Cruzeiro. Much of the abuse included having fans yell "Bicha! Bicha!" which translates to "faggot."

Afterward, Michael discussed being stunned by the chants and fearing it would happen again. Well, it turns out he need not have feared that as both his teammates and other fans are showing him tremendous support. First his teammates wore special pink jerseys during the warm up for a later match and then the team's "libero" (pictured above with Michael) wore a special rainbow jersey during the match. The crowd also unfurled a huge banner reading "Vôlei Futuro Against Prejudice" and then waved pink "thundersticks" turning the entire stadium pink.

How amazing is that? One can only wonder how much support U.S. fans would show for a gay professional athlete who had the courage to come out.

For more pictures and the video of the original incident, check out this blog or this one. (Thanks to AE reader Morgan for bringing this to our attention!)