Tag Archives: Chris Kluwe

Chris Kluwe To Sochi Olympic Athletes: If You Say Nothing In Russia The World Will Remember

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Chris KluweHOT

Phenomenal LGBT Straight ally Chris Kluwe is calling on Olympic athletes to speak up on the human rights abuses administered by the Russian government against its LGBT citizens.

Said Kluwe in the article he wrote for the Guardian:

“What is the true price of fame? The price of fame is what you risk when you have the platform. As an athlete, a role model for society, people listen to you. As an athlete, when you make a statement, that statement is heard, no matter what that statement is. Speak up for LBGTQ rights, for human rights, for empathy? The world will pay attention, and take notice. Stay silent, keep your head down, count the money and endorsements? The world will pay attention, and take notice. Either way, you’re the one who has to live with what you did or didn’t do. I hope that athletes speak out at Sochi on LBGTQ issues, even knowing the possible risks that await them.

“I know that it could cost them their livelihoods, their careers, everything they’ve worked towards. I know that it can lead to recriminations, harsh words from a public who just wants their entertainment, no matter how much blood it’s packaged in. I know that it’s one of the hardest steps a person can take, and that there is no guarantee of a reward at the end, other than knowing you did the right thing at the right time with nothing to show for it but angry tweets and emails tempered by the messages of support and affection from those in whose lives you made a difference, those currently being abused by the oppressive and ignorant.” 

In the opening of the piece, Kluwe never for a loss of words slammed Sochi’s corporate sponsors suggesting certain replacement marketing slogans: “Today’s refreshing anti-gay beating brought to you by Coca-Cola!”

You gotta love this man.

Chris Kluwe Identifies Witnesses In Claims Against Bigoted Vikings Coach Mike Priefer

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Earlier this month Chris Kluwe wrote a piece on Deadspin.com accusing the Minnesota Vikings organization of releasing him for his pro-LGBT activism.  On Friday Kluwe and his lawyer Clayton Halunen spoke for five hours with investigators and named two players said to be witnesses when MN Vikings special-teams coordinator Mike Priefer’s anti-gay  bigoted statements in front of other teammates. One of Priefer’s most disturbing locker-room comments  included : “We should round up all the gays, send them to an island, and then nuke it until it glows.”,

Pioneer Press reports:

In a five-hour meeting Friday with investigators, Halunen said Kluwe identified [kicker Blair] Walsh and long snapper Cullen Loeffler as witnesses to Priefer allegedly making homophobic comments numerous times during the 2012 season in meetings with the punter, kicker and long snapper, and that Pico was told about it after the fact. Halunen noted that Kluwe told investigators he is willing to take a polygraph test.

Walsh issued a statement through the Vikings on Jan. 2 in defense of Priefer. But Halunen said Kluwe retained text messages in which Walsh referenced what Priefer allegedly said, including a text related to Priefer allegedly saying, “We should round up all the gays, send them to an island, and then nuke it until it glows.”

“If Walsh is going to lie, this will all be exposed, I’m confident,” Halunen said. “If Walsh is going to lie, that’s his choice. But at the end of the day, we believe this is going to come out. We have evidence. So he made that choice, I guess.”

Someone should ask Priefer and the Minnesota Vikings if his little ‘joke’ would be as funny if he had said Jews or African Americans instead of gays.

Back2Stonewall.com supports and stands beside Chris Kluwe.

Chris Kluwe: MN Viking Coach Mike Priefer Needs Therapy

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Former Minnesota Vikings punter and LGBT ally Chris Kluwe said Tuesday that he wants the football team’s special teams coach Mike Priefer, who used extreme and violent anti-gay language in the locker room, to get help.

“After thinking about it, after reflecting on it, I don’t think an appropriate punishment is if he never coaches again,” Kluwe said on “Fox Sports Live.” “I think it would be better if he got therapy, if he got counseling, and then a year or two from now, come back into the league as a role model, help out with LGBT groups, and show people that this is an important issue.

Kluwe earlier this month came forth with a piece that he wrote for Deadspin, letting it be known that he was let go from the Vikings for being an ally to the LGBT community. He described Priefer as a”bigot who used anti-gay slurs around him and was quoted as saying “gays should be rounded up and put on an island and nuked”

Priefer, however, “vehemently denies” using anti-gay language

Chris Kluwe Retains National Center for Lesbian Rights Lawyers To Represent Him During Vikings’ Investigation

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Chris Kluwe has retained attorneys from the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and Clayton Halunen to represent him during the investigation of the Minnesota Vikings’  after the claims that he made last week of the internal homophobia of the team and also that he was fired for being an outspoken LGBT ally.

Kluwe said he plans to “fully cooperate” with the Vikings’ investigation, and said his hiring of legal counsel should not be interpreted as a signal of intent to file a lawsuit. “I want the truth to come out from the investigation, not in litigation,” Kluwe said.

In an article he published on Deadspin recently, Kluwe alleged that Vikings special-teams coordinator Mike Priefer made derogatory remarks about gays and other members of the LGBT community both to him personally and in team meetings. The alleged remarks were made in 2012, when Kluwe was still a member of the Vikings and also when he was speaking out publicly against passage of a constitutional referendum in Minnesota to restrict marriage to heterosexual-only couples. Priefer issued a statement “strongly denying” the allegations, and the Vikings released a statement about the article.

Kluwe alleged that Priefer’s remarks were intended to humiliate him into silence. When that didn’t happen, Kluwe alleged, other members of the Vikings management team pressured him to tone down his off-the-field comments in favor of equal marriage rights for all. Finally, the team cut him from the squad prior to the start of the 2013 season. He has not played in the NFL since then.

WE STAND WITH CHRIS KLUWE!

#GetAKlue

#VikingsSuck

Vikings Coach “Nuke Gays Till They Glow” Mike Priefer: I Deny The Charges Made By Chris Kluwe

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Mike Priefer

“I vehemently deny today’s allegations made by Chris Kluwe. I want to be clear that I do not tolerate discrimination of any type and am respectful of all individuals. I personally have gay family members who I love and support just as I do any family member. The primary reason I entered coaching was to affect people in a positive way. As a coach, I have always created an accepting environment for my players, including Chris, and have looked to support them both on and off the field. The comments today have not only attacked my character and insulted my professionalism, but they have also impacted my family. While my career focus is to be a great professional football coach, my number one priority has always been to be a protective husband and father to my wife and children. I will continue to work hard for the Minnesota Vikings, the Wilf family and all of our loyal fans.” – Vikings special teams coach Mike Preifer, in a statement published by NBC Sports.

When a bigot says he “loves” and “supports” a gay family member, he means he “ministers the truth of Jesus to” (i.e. viciously condemns) that gay family member and tries to force the gay family member into an “ex gay” conversion program.   That’s what Christian bigots mean by “love” and “support.”

In other news it its been discovered that Mike Preifer’s “gay family member” is also Sarah Palin’s “gay best friend”.  Harvey Preifer is reported to be 6 feet tall and a rabbit.

LGBT Ally Chris Kluwe: “I Got Fired From The Vikings Because Of My Gay Marriage Activism”

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Chris Kluwe OMG

“Hello. My name is Chris Kluwe, and for eight years I was the punter for the Minnesota Vikings. In May 2013, the Vikings released me from the team. At the time, quite a few people asked me if I thought it was because of my recent activism for same-sex marriage rights, and I was very careful in how I answered the question. My answer, verbatim, was always, ‘I honestly don’t know, because I’m not in those meetings with the coaches and administrative people.’ This is a true answer. I honestly don’t know if my activism was the reason I got fired. However, I’m pretty confident it was. [snip]

“It’s my belief, based on everything that happened over the course of 2012, that I was fired by Mike Priefer, a bigot who didn’t agree with the cause I was working for, and two cowards, Leslie Frazier and Rick Spielman, both of whom knew I was a good punter and would remain a good punter for the foreseeable future, as my numbers over my eight-year career had shown, but who lacked the fortitude to disagree with Mike Priefer on a touchy subject matter. (Frazier was fired on Monday, at the conclusion of a 5-10-1 season.) [snip]

[One time] As we sat down in our chairs, Mike Priefer, in one of the meanest voices I can ever recall hearing, said: “We should round up all the gays, send them to an island, and then nuke it until it glows.” The room grew intensely quiet, and none of the players said a word for the rest of the meeting. The atmosphere was decidedly tense. I had never had an interaction that hostile with any of my teammates on this issue—some didn’t agree with me, but our conversations were always civil and respectful. Afterward, several told me that what Mike Priefer had said was “messed up.”

One of the main coaching points I’ve heard throughout my entire life is, ‘How you respond to difficult situations defines your character,’ and I think it’s a good saying. I also think it applies to more than just the players.” – Chris Kluwe, (Do yourself a favor and read the whole posting over at Deadspin

Knuckle-dragging bigotry in the NFL?  Now there’s a shocker.

I absolutely believe Chris.  He’s handled this whole thing with class and grace. No malice, despite everything they were putting him through with the Vikings.  He’s a good man and an excellent ally to have on your side and I thank him.

As for the Minnesota Vikings….. FUCK YOU!

 

Oakland Raiders Get A Kluwe! – Raiders Sign LGBT Ally and Advocate Chris Kluwe! BOOYAH!

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Chris Kluwe OMGAwesome ally and LGBT advocate NFL punter Chris Kluwe has been signed by the Oakland Raiders, less than 10 days after the Minnesota Vikings cut Kluwe which led to suspicions’ that the Vikings management did not like Kluwe’s straight to the point and sometimes colorful LGBT advocacy

FOX Sports reports:

“Chris Kluwe, who was released by the Minnesota Vikings on May 6, will step in for Pro Bowler Shane Lechler, who left Oakland for the Houston Texans via free agency. Kluwe’s contract is for one year, and is for the league minimum.

…Kluwe is known for his mind and mouth, as well as his leg. He is a vocal advocate of equality in sports (and life), and says he will continue to speak for what he believes. “I’m still going to be myself socially and continue to tweet and interact with my fans,” Kluwe said.

The issue of same-sex marriage remains a hot-button one in California. Kluwe said he was happy the same-sex marriage bill passed and was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Mark Dayton in Minnesota. Kluwe didn’t think it would be an issue there and is ready to press forward in the Golden State….Prop 8 was passed by voters in 2008 and governs that the state only recognize marriages between a man and a woman. The law’s legality was argued before the US Supreme Court in March, with a ruling expected in June, and Kluwe is optimistic about the likely repeal of the measure. If the measure is not repealed, however, he says it will be an issue of concern that will need to be addressed.”

Congrats to Oakland for picking up Chris!

The Oakland Raiders got a Kluwe and the Minnesota Vikings get a lot of pissed off fans.

Chris Kluwe Vows To Be An LGBT Ally, NFL Athlete Or Not!

Gay News From Around The Globe

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Chris Kluwe has been one of the strongest advocates for LGBT equality over the past year. Unabashed and not afraid of what his support could do to his fanbase as well as his relationship with his teammates Kluwe refused to be silenced while using his platform as a NFL player to get the word out about the inequities in this country. And after his team he had been a part of for more than a decade decided to let him go, he is still vowing to stand up for equality. Here’s more:

On the eve of Minnesota possibly becoming the 12th state to offer marriage equality, former Minnesota Vikings punter and outspoken marriage equality supporter Chris Kluwe discussed being cut from the team and Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton’s suggestion that Kluwe’s advocacy on gay rights played a factor in his being let go. Dayton, responding to the news of Kluwe’s release, said on Wednesday that he doesn’t “doesn’t feel good” about the team’s decision and that “public officials should be honest about what’s going on.”

“That was cool to hear from the governor, because generally governors don’t speak out about football players very often,” Kluwe said with a chuckle, appearing on mySiriusXM radio program. “It’s just one of those things where, right now, I’m just hoping to latch on with another team, and hopefully continue my football career. I feel that I have at least four, possibly five years left of playing at a very high level.”(Listen to the full interview below)

“I honestly don’t know because I’m not in those meetings,” Kluwe continued, discussing the possibility that his speaking out cost him. “I don’t know what’s said between managers, between coaches. All I can do is go out and punt to the bet of my ability and trust in the body of work that I’ve put together over the years, which has been pretty consistent.”

But using his platform to advocate for marriage equality, Kluwe said, was worth any ramifications.

“To me it’s something that, if I’m going to remembered for something, I’d rather be remembered for something that helps people’s lives, that keeps children from wanting to kill themselves as opposed to playing football,” he said. “As much as I love playing football, and I really do enjoy playing football, there are serious societal issues that plague our civilization. And there are things that we need to address. And if no one ever speaks out, nothing ever gets changed.”

 What does this say about character? A lot. Even more so about principle and respect. It’s sad that even though his team isn’t saying it, but the reason why he was fired was due to him speaking out for us. It saddens me even more when I think of people the league has welcomed back after spending time in prison for animal cruelty. Or abuse, drugs, assault  drunk driving, etc.,. All those offenses are easily forgivable but a man speaking out about the injustices of this country is pushed aside, Speaks a lot about where the people that control this league’s priorities are at. Whatever Kluwe decides to do now I’m sure he knows he has our unwavering support for doing the same for us and we will always appreciate that.

Coming Soon! – The Netroots Nation LGBT Connect Online Scholarship Auction

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Every year thousands of progressive social justice advocates, labor and organizational leaders, grassroots organizers and activists, and bloggers and journalist gather together for three-days at the annual Netroots Nation Conference this year to be held in San Jose, California June 20–23 to build stronger relationships with others and working on the issues they care most about.  And each year, some of the brightest minds in progressive politics come to Netroots Nation to speak with—and hear from—our community.

Each year Netroots Nation LGBT Connect a 501{c) nom-profit raises funds to provide between 20 and 25  full scholarships which include airfare, hotel and Netroots Nation admission  to grassroots LGBT advocates, activist and bloggers who otherwise would not be able to attend the event and have their ideas and voices heard.

In addition Netroots Nation LGBT Connect hold a one-day pre-covention the day before Netroots Nation proper and conducts a LGBT Caucus during the event which brings LGBT and straight ally advocates, activist, bloggers and journalist together from across the country to discuss, network and brainstorm on issues that effect the LGBT Community not only with our peers but also with other groups within the progressive community.

This year Netroots Nation Connect will be holding its first online auction to help raise additional funds for this years scholarships starting on May 11th and ending on May 19th.

So far auction items include:

* An autographed Minnesota Vikings logo football from straight ally , LGBT equality advocate  and wordsmith Chris Kluwe of the Minnesota Vikings

* A giftset of Beekman 1802 products from The Fabulous Beekman Boys  Josh Kilmer-Purcell and his partner Brent Ridge recent winners of the Amazing Race which includes a box set of Beekman 1802  Soaps and autographed copies of their national bestseller The Bucholic Plague and the Beekman 1802 Cookbook.

* An autographed t-shirt from Anti-Bullying LGBT advocate and straight ally Ben Cohen founder of the Stand Up Foundation and World Rugby Cup Champion.

* The complete 3 book hardcover set of the gay literature classics The Front Runner, Harlan’s Race, and Billy’s Boy autographed and donated by their author Patricia Nell Warren

* A cameo speaking part in the award winning LA Web Series Festival’s Old Dogs & New Tricks  Halloween episode.

* Rare mint condition 1980 Gay Freedom Day Gay Pride Silver Coin from The Bulldog Baths in San Francisco, CA donated by Back2Stonewall.com

And more to come!

So look for the upcoming announcement and link to the auction around May 11th and bid bid bid!

If you would like to donate an item to be auctioned to help us raise money for the scholarships please contact me will@back2stonewall.com for  further information and details.  We’d greatly appreciate any extra donations.  It’s a worthy cause and a great way to help grassroots LGBT activist and bloggers be heard and try to make a difference.

If you are attending Netroots Nation 2013 and would like to attend the one-day LGBT Pre-Con that will take place on June 19th at the Saint Claire Hotel in San Jose, C.A.  CLICK HERE for registration information.

Chris Kluwe