What a sad story. So young, so brave, so much to look forward to, gone in a moment. I feel so sorry for his family. Because they loved him they worried about him. Because they loved him they were there when he needed them. Because they loved him they were proud. And he must have been so proud of them. Especially his old man. As for us gay guys who love sports, but so often have our fun ruined by homophobia. Or have to grow up without any sporting heroes, because bigotry makes them afraid to come out. Or ruins their careers. We will not forget that he was brave, that he was proud, that he spoke for all of us. Way to go Brendan. Rest in peace brother. You didn't get much time. But you were OUR hero.
And we will REMEMBER... ------------------------------------------------------------ Here's a video of Brendan and his dad being interviewed shortly after he came out.
Because I'm a Canadiens fan, I've always considered Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke a belligerent ....um....jock. But now, although it's painful, I have to admit he's a really neat dad. Because this is one of the best coming out stories I've ever read. He calls you "Moose" because you have always been a big kid. He cares very deeply about you and your happiness. You say he has always been there when you needed him. And he has a great sense of humor. Imagine that.
But on this night in 2007, you are petrified of your dad. Because you, Brendan Burke, at 19 years old, are about to tell your dad, Mr. Testosterone, that you are gay. But what does Mr. Testosterone say?
I wish this burden would fall on someone else's shoulders, not Brendan's. Pioneers are often misunderstood and mistrusted. But since he wishes to blaze this trail, I stand beside him with an axe! I simply could not be more proud of Brendan than I am, and I love him as much as I admire him." I stand beside him with an AXE. How many gay boys hoped they'd hear that from their fathers but didn't.
So imagine how gay boys who love sports feel when they hear Brendan say this: "Imagine if I was in the opposite situation, with a family that wouldn't accept me, working for a sports team where I knew I couldn't come out because I'd be fired or ostracized. People in that situation deserve to know that they can feel safe, that sports isn't all homophobic and that there are plenty of people in sports who accept people for who they are." Because he speaks for all of us. Of course, it will take a lot more than that to rid sports of homophobia. But every step counts.
