BAD-ASS OF THE WEEK

UFC Champ Rashad Evans: There’s “No Justifiable Reason” For Opposing Same-Sex Marriage

Rashad EvansI’ve never been a homophobe, never understood what that is all about. I knew some people who were gay and never cared about their sexuality. But at the same time, I didn’t fully understand the issues around gay people until my friend [Brendon Ayanbadejo] started telling me about his full public support for gay marriage. We talked about the issue and I decided its not enough to not be against a minority, if you want things to go better for them you have to speak up with them.

I’m a UFC fighter, a macho-type sport. I am a heterosexual guy in a tough macho sport, which is exactly the reason I feel a duty to say I support gay marriage and gay rights.

I have nothing to gain personally from supporting this issue, and that’s the point. Society as a whole is better when there is equality, and I want to live in a country where everyone has the same rights because we all benefit from that.

What people overlook is that is isn’t a sex issue, its a love issue. There’s no justifiable reason for trying to get in the way of two people who love each other.

I have kids. I don’t want them growing up in a society where they, or their friends, could be second class citizens based on which person they fall in love with or who they want to be happy with.”

UFC Fighter and ESPN commentator “Suga” Rashad Evans, explaining his support for same-sex marriage, in Outsports. Evans signed a brief to the Supreme Court supporting marriage equality that was started by NFL players Chris Kluwe and Brendon Ayanbadejo. 

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Photo: East718

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