News
Features
Society

Politics, religion, etc.

Commentary
Life

Arts, sports, & other stuff we do when we’re not at work. Or even when we ARE at work.

Home » Friends & allies, News, Sports

Kobe and The Lakers make a PSA for gay acceptance

Submitted by on Saturday, 23 April 2011 – 6:49 AMNo Comment

Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers recorded a video message against bullying and anti-gay language as part of GLSEN’s “Think Before You Speak” campaign.

After calling a referee an anti-gay slur during a live broadcast of a recent basketball game, Kobe claimed that his use of “f—king f—-t” was not a slur against LGBT people. [WTF?] He was given a $100,000 NBA fine, which he is appealing.

Kobe is a role model. People notice what he says and does. A mother of a 14 year old boy said:

“Thanks, Kobe, in two seconds you have undone two years of work I have done with my son to teach him not to use anti-gay slurs. He looks up to you and thinks that, if Kobe does it, it must be ok.”

Now, Kobe and his teammates are sending a better message with the “Think Before You Speak” PSA. Watch a preview of the video that aired Wednesday on Good Day LA:

In the PSA, Kobe says, “There are all kinds of different people in the world. That’s what makes the world special.”

Kobe and his teammates continue, “So whether someone is different than you in race, ethnicity, political beliefs, religion … or sexual orientation … Words could be hurtful.”

Bryant continues, “Replace them with understanding, compassion and acceptance. Let’s make this a better world for all of us.”

Let’s hope that Kobe takes his own advice.

Tags: , ,