The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the America’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organisation, today issued the following statement in response to Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant’s use of a slur:
“Discriminatory slurs have no place on or off the court,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. “Professional sports players need to set a better example for young people who use words like this on the playground and in our schools, creating a climate of intolerance and hostility. The LA Lakers have a responsibility to educate their fans about why this word is unacceptable.”
GLAAD has reached out to the L.A. Lakers and will provide updates on GLAADBlog.org as they become available.
Recently, GLAAD has worked with sports groups including the New York Yankees, the World Wrestling Federation (WWE) and the Hershey Bears to address issues of homophobia in sports. The Hershey Bears, top minor league affiliate of the Washington Capitals, told GLAAD this week the team would be taking steps to put a stop to anti-gay taunts from fans.
