Sons death inspires Hockey GM to fight homophobia in schools

[WillParkinson]

Withers: Hockey GM fights homophobia in schools
James Withers
By James Withers, contributing editor, 365Gay Blog 05.19.2010 9:17am EDT

Brian Burke, the GM for the Toronto Maple Leafs, was the main speaker when Egale Canada, the country’s national gay and lesbian political rights organization, launched a new site. Called MyGSA.ca, the web address serves as an information center for Canadian teachers and their gay and lesbian students.Burke talked about his son, Brendan; the young man, a senior at Miami University and advocate for gay rights, died in an early February car accident. Before his untimely death, father and son were profiled on ESPN. The story focused on a young gay man and the support he received from his father, family, and the Maple Leafs organization.

The elder Burke wants to continue the good work his son started. This means making sure gay and lesbian students can attend school without harassment

“I hate bullies,” he said. “We have to get to the point where everyone can go to school free of fear.”

http://www.365gay.com/blog/051910-hockey-gm-fights-homophobia-in-schools/

[HelenWheels]

1. That's one great dad

I wish we had more people like him

[Barack_America]

2. What a lovely tribute to his son. nt

[joeybee12]

3. Good for him...but just thinking about this tears me up...

...kid was way too young to die.

[Divine Discontent]

4. what a great dad! much support for the GLBT people by a hockey GM... great news! sorry for the

loss of his son. :(