Even though the gay community – and really, what the hell does that mean? – hasn’t exactly accepted Ozzie Guillen‘s apology for using the word “fag” as a derogatory term, the White Sox manager still plans on attending the Gay Games in Chicago. Guillen will use his single free day during the team’s six-day road trip to accept the invitation by Gay Games organizers, which means on the second day of competition he’ll be alongside track and field, softball, flat football, and wrestling fans. Gay Games VII spokesman Kevin Boyer says the event is welcoming Guillen with open arms.
We’re glad to hear he’ll be attending because it demonstrates how the gay games brings people together — whether straight or gay — through competition. There’s no hurt feelings. He’s apologized . . . he won’t do it again.
Your call: Does Ozzie deserve to be welcomed at the Gay Games?
Despite slur, Ozzie says he’ll attend Gay Games [Chicago Sun-Times]
Related: All Ozzie Guillen Coverage
Carlos
Of course he should be welcomed. While Guillen should be rebuked for his comments, we should accept his apology and move on. Yeah, he is a repeat offender, but at least he has come forth and addressed his comments. I believe he is sincere. Lots of men, especially Latin and black men, use the term “faggot” without any real animus toward gays; they use it to mean “unmanly.” Of course, no one should use the term. But you have to realize the cultural context of the usage. If we are unforgivening and seek to beat people into submission, we will gain more enemies and lose opportunities to make friends out of former foes.
Zack
Puh-leez. Because Guillen was mocking the effeminate it suddenly isn’t an attack on the gay community? That’s not logic or open-mindedness, it’s homophobia analogous to someone saying “When I use the n-word I don’t mean black people. I mean poor black people.” Spitting out venomous slurs at femmes is homophobia. “Cultural context” or not–hate is hate. I know plenty of Latino and black men who wouldn’t dare lob that word around like Guillen did. Someone should have punched him in the face.
Guillen shouldn’t be allowed to come to the Gay Games. Saying “I’m sorry, but…” is not the same as “I’m sorry.”
SteveS
If we don’t let him come to the gay games, we look like we support the concept of exclusion.
I say let him come to the games. His presence could do wonders to make mainstream America aware of the games. Let’s show that people in mainstream regular sports can mix with gay athletes with no problem, it can only be a good thing.
MEK the Bear
Well, their attitude is almost downright *shudder*, Christian!
Or what they’re supposed to be teaching anyway. Look, the man made a bad decision, and he apologized for using the slur with no buts about that, his ‘but’ was that he still felt the guy he used the term against was still on his personal hitlist, so let it go, move on. The fact that he wants to come to the games at all says a lot about where his heart is, in the right place.
Robbie
It’s Chicago, it’s a major sporting event, and Guillen brought home the most coveted trophy in the city’s history. It’s more than appropriate he go.
He’s thoughtless, he’s an ass, he’s none-too-bright when it comes to slurring someone, but I’ve never detected a maliciousness in him towards gay people.
The more hostile the media become towards him, the harder he digs in. So, I think the gay organizers welcoming him appeals to the kind of guy he is, and does much more in the long run to foster good will between gay people and baseball.
Hephaestion
I think Robbie’s comments above make a great deal of sense. It could create a turning point for him. I am glad he is going to the Gay Games.
That said, if he ever again uses the word “faggot” in a hateful way, I say we chop his balls off. Figuratively speaking, of course.