The only thing more rich and velvety than the head of a fresh Guinness stout on draft is the luscious timbre of out former professional player star Gareth Thomas. That’s just science.
And now the Irish beer staple has combined the two into a new advertisement tackling homophobia in the game and, well, selling beer.
“I was physically strong yet mentally so weak and so afraid,” Thomas candidly shares.
“I always worried everybody would turn their back on me…I couldn’t give them so simple as honesty.”
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Watch below:
https://youtu.be/tUoHcwR6FwU
Clark35
Why doesn’t Guinness get someone who is actually lesbian, bi, or gay and Irish to advertise their overrated beer?
Kangol
Who cares about his accent? He’s HOT!
Kangol
@Clark35: Did you completely miss the news in 2009 that Gareth Thomas came out? He IS gay.
Clark35
@Kangol: Yes he’s gay and out; but is he Irish? No he’s Welsh.
darren michaels
Its wonderful the reaction to his coming out was far less traumatic then expected.
But I wonder if it would have been the same if he was new to the team and had not had the opportunity to prove his ability.
@Clark35 he is gay..did you even watch the video.
Why is it important to have been Irish ? I think the point of the video was Guinness’s support of LGBT..not what the individuals back ground was.
Clark35
@darren michaels: Because Guinness is an Irish beer duh.
Craig Shapiro
Your courage shines a light of hope for those living in the darkness of fear. Well done.
Goforit
@Clark35: You poor sad little man. This is a WONDERFUL promotion. It is one of the best “It gets better” type of message. Gareth was the perfect subject for the promo, sincere, vulnerable and articulate. It was excellent in its concept and in its execution. Perfect role model for that lonely, scared young gay person out there. Kudos to Guinness. And all you can do is piss all over it because he is not Irish. I think that the Welsh probably tip back a few pints just like the rest of the world. I can’t imagine what it must be like being you. How sad.
john.k
@Clark35: A number of points: Guinness originated in Ireland and, of course, the St James Gate Brewery in Dublin is an important part of its operations. But it is also brewed in Malaysia and Nigeria and it is owned by Diageo, a multi-national drinks company (who, btw, also own Baileys Irish Cream).
The ad is mainly aimed at the British market. So far there are no out gay Irish international rugby players. There is an out gay hurler (Donal óg Cusack who came out around the same time as Gareth) but he would not be known in Britain. I can assure you that no gays in Ireland are complaining about Gareth Thomas being used in the ad.
Chris
Very powerful and a great tribute to the man and the people who supported him. Now, let’s lift a pint in honor of the countless thousands, if not millions, who come out without the support that was provided to Mr. Gareth Thomas. They are the unsung heroes of any commercial like this one.