CNN/SI/AP: Silent No More: WNBA MVP Swoopes opens up about lesbianism

[DeepModem Mom]

Silent no more
WNBA MVP Swoopes opens up about lesbianism
Posted: Wednesday October 26


NEW YORK (AP) -- Houston Comets forward Sheryl Swoopes is opening up about being a lesbian, telling a magazine that she's "tired of having to hide my feelings about the person I care about."

Swoopes, honored last month as the WNBA's Most Valuable Player, told ESPN The Magazine for a story on newsstands Wednesday that she didn't always know she was gay and fears that coming out could jeopardize her status as a role model.

"Do I think I was born this way? No," Swoopes said. "And that's probably confusing to some, because I know a lot of people believe that you are."

Swoopes, who was married and has an 8-year-old son, said her 1999 divorce "wasn't because I'm gay."

She said her reason for coming out now is merely because she wants to be honest....


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/basketball/nba/10/26/swoopes.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

[rodeodance]

1. good grief. it is 2005. why is this news?

[Straight Shooter]

2. Because Swoopes is a role model.

I also wonder if her statement about not being "born gay" won't provoke controversy.

Anyway, I commend her for speaking out.

[Jimdish25]

7. It's OK that she speak out, but..

a more definitive statement would have been helpful. Her own confusion will just lead to more of the speculation about "learned behavior" and "conversion therapy" that the wingers love to promote.

[Straight Shooter]

11. I agree with your premise.

But it seems she has her own agenda in speaking out.

I agree with you in that I also would prefer that she had refrained from making ambiguous comments about being "born gay" because it does give fodder to those who think homosexuality can be "cured" or whatever.

[Neocondriac]

3. Sounds like...

she is the confused one. You are born gay woman! She is probably thinking she's protecting her parents for being responsoble for giving birth to a gay child.

[shamanstar]

8. she is probably bisexual

thats why she hasnt always known she was "gay"- she has feelings for men AND women. she is saying she wants to be honest- meaning, she doesnt want to hide her relationship anymore.

[Der Blaue Engel]

4. Sounds like bisexuality

Oh, wait, there's no such thing.

[AnneD]

5. Well.....

some parts of Texas are very red-that's the bad news. The good news? They don't watch women's BBall there. You go girl, Houston still loves you.....

[twaddler01]

6. she wants to be honest

and???

[KamaAina]

9. So when exactly did she become gay?

Wouldn't it be cool if it was right in the middle of that taut WNBA Finals series against the New York Liberty? Or right before she led Texas Tech to its Final Four triumph over Ohio State? :sarcasm:

[Jersey Ginny]

10. Sounds like she's trying to figure this all out

Sexuality is complicated. I'd hate to be in the spotlight while dealing with these tough issues. Good luck to her.

[AnnieBW]

12. I thought That All Lesbians

played softball? Well, another stereotype shot to hell! :D

(To my sisters who are lesbian - I love you all, whatever sport you play.)