Recently out Canadian speed skater joins anti homophobia sporting organisation
A Canadian figure skater has joined forces with an anti-homophobia advocacy group in the wake of coming out and announcing her opposition to Russian anti-gay laws.
Calgary long skater speed skater Anastasia Bucsis announced on Wednesday that she was joining forces with Athletes Ally a nonprofit organization that seeks to promote respect for individuals involved in sports regardless of their sexual orientation.
On Wednesday’s announcement, she said: “Taking on an advocacy role seems natural, because I am proud to be both an athlete and gay,” Bucsis said in a press release. “I started speed skating at the age of four, and wasn’t aware of any other gay skaters when growing up; during my ‘coming out’ I was very anxious and lonely because I lacked having an ‘out’ athletic role model. I didn’t have any other gay athletic friends, or any mentors that I could readily turn to for advice or support. I am ready to help any athlete out there who is considering coming out of the closet. It’s the best decision I ever made.”
Athletes Ally also announced on Wednesday that 20-year-old Australian snowboarder Beth Brockhoff has joined the effort.
Ms Bucsis is among a handful of athletes who have now spoken out against the gay propaganda law, last month Sweden’s Emma Green-Tregaro drew headlines when she painted her nails in the colour of the rainbow in a show of solidarity for Russia’s LGBT community while competing at the World Athletics Championships.
President Vladimir Putin signed the law in June banning the promotion of “non-traditional relationships” toward minors, a move that has been criticised as part of a broader crackdown on Russia’s gay community. Other laws banning the adoption of Russian children by foreign same-sex couples, and one which enables organisations receiving funding from abroad to be fined as “foreign agents”, were also passed.
