The Austin American statesman ran an AP story about Gay Athletes. The article titled "Gay Athletes waiting for thier Jackie Robinson. The truth is that Austin sports is part of the problem and the Sports teams and production crews have a very anti gay , sexist, bigoted attitude. I should know I was fired for defending gays while I was a camera operator for the RR Express, University OF Texas and the Austin Wranglers. Below again is my story!

Date:   12/11/2010 1:38:12 PM ( 14 y ago)

I am a cameraman for many different venues from sports to whatever.
I am very disappointed that after 15 years working as a camera person.
I hear the same stereotypes of people echoed by many working in the business.

The same stereotypes of gays can be heard almost every day and while many will Automatically insert the word gay into the description of a person.

A recent example: While I was doing a professional sports event.
Another Camera person described a Particular woman as a "300 pound lesbian". He being a lesbian was totally unrelated to the story he
told. I asked him if he described his male associates as "300 pound Heterosexuals". He did not see the connection

In some stadiums and arenas, teams claim to be open to diversity. Yet,
I have been told
By all my directors to make sure I do not ever put a "Male Couple" on
the stadium kiss
Cam. Apparently it is okay to take a gay couples money, but it is not
acceptable to show
Their affection on a kiss cam? Being a Camera operator at times can be
very difficult for
Anyone who respects all people and cultures and does not discriminate
against fans based
on whether they are perceived to be Gay or Straight.

I cannot even repeat the language that is used by some camera people
and directors when
Cheerleaders are performing. Some cheerleaders are likened to hookers
and topless
Dancers. To demean the skills of Cheerleaders is more than just wrong, it perpetuates the
Stereotypes that women have been trying to overcome.

I am sometimes embarrassed for the sports industry and the lack of
respect for those who are stereotyped as different or less important.
If the comments of some of the production people were on tape. People
would be outraged that some are still living in the dark ages when it
comes to the respect of diversity and the talents of women

Nolan Ryan the owner of the RR Express and now the Texas Rangers ignored all complaints and would not investigate




 

Popularity:   message viewed 31504 times
URL:   http://www.curezone.org/blogs/fm.asp?i=1736737

<< Return to the standard message view