It’s A Great Day In America

Art by Alia Penner

Sitting at my desk having a full on ugly cry (a very happy one!) because the Supreme Court made same sex marriage legal in all 50 states (and defended Obamacare the other day – woot!). It’s been a long time coming. There’s still much work to be done, but right now, anything feels possible.

To keep this in a soccer vein, Robbie Rogers scored his first goal for the LA Galaxy last night since coming out and it was Pride Night as well!  And former MLS player Mike Hatzke came out. Mazel tov! It feels like a dam is about to break, y’all. Wouldn’t it be beautiful if people could just love whomever they want without judgement or fear? I look forward to that day. May it come soon.

Let love rule!

– Lozil

Robbie Rogers: Men In Shorts

Perhaps you remember this blog’s coverage of out cutie Robbie Rogers, when he came out and when he signed for LA Galaxy.

Robbie Rogers For Flaunt Magazine

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Robbie Rogers is featured in a new video for Flaunt magazine. He’s wearing high fashion looks while having a kick about. The clothes by (among others) Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Dior Homme and Paul Smith are just DREADFUL. I pray that Sergio Ramos doesn’t see this. But that said, Robbie looks GORGEOUS. Is it just me or does he remind you of Christian in Clueless? (BTW, did you know he’s dating TV producer/writer Greg Berlanti? Cute couple!) Robbie himself is in the fashion biz, but not just as a model. He is the co-creator of the Halsey menswear line.

– Lozil

Thomas Hitzlsperger Interview

Watishista pinpanpamm sent me this link to an interview with Thomas Hitzlsperger in English where he talks about his decision to come out. There’s also a German version. He comes across wonderfully in the interview – articulate, intelligent and sincere.

– Lozil

Thomas Hitzlsperger Comes Out

Thomas Hitzlsperger, who retired in September 2013 has revealed that he is gay. The 31 year old central midfielder played in the EPL (Aston Villa, West Ham, Everton), Serie A (Lazio), Bundesliga (Wolfsburg, Stuttgart) and League 2 (Chesterfield). He represented Germany at the U19 (as captain), U21 and senior levels.

His Germany teammate Lukas Podolski tweeted “”Brave and right decision. Respect, Thomas Hitzlsperger. His outing is a important sign in our time.” Many others including his former club, Aston Villa, have expressed their support.  I look forward to a day when this will no longer be such big news. I admire & wholeheartedly support Thomas’s decision to come forward. This has got to be a relief for him. I hope that many others will follow.

Thanks to watishista Tali for sending in the news.

– Lozil

Updated: Mazel Tov! Abby Wambach & Sarah Huffman Tie The Knot

In awesome news, USWNT rock star Abby Wambach has married her longtime girlfriend and Western New York Flash teammate Sarah Huffman according to TMZ.

Memorial Day Bits & Bobs

Hope everyone in the US enjoyed their Memorial Day! I know I did. It was a beautiful sunny day and we had a fantastic view of the NY harbor from watishista DK’s roof deck. I’m sleepy from the heat and ready to get some sleep but first a few things…

First and most importantly, Robbie Rogers was subbed in for the last 13 minutes of the LA Galaxy’s 4-0 win over Seattle Sounders. In that moment, he became the first openly gay male to play in a major American professional sport. He was greeted with a standing ovation. I am so incredibly pleased for him. There’s a fan support page for him on Facebook if you want to go and send a little note of encouragement.

Mazel Tov! Robbie Rogers Signing To The LA Galaxy

Wonderful, wonderful news! Robbie Rogers is returning to the game he loves. He’s signing with the LA Galaxy and will be the first out player in the major leagues. All the best to you Robbie! May you be the first of many.

– Lozil

Robbie Rogers In The Press

Robbie Rogers by Tom Jenkins/Guardian

Out former ‘baller Robbie Rogers was the subject of two great articles today in the Guardian and New York Times which talked about his coming out and the aftermath. Sam Borden from NYT also chatted with Robbie via video.

UPDATED: Robbie Rogers Comes Out

Watishista nassyr9 got in touch about this and almost immediately my phone started blowing up with texts and DMs asking if I had seen the news. Former MLS and USMNT player Robbie Rogers has come out of the closet and announced that not only is he gay, but he’s retiring from the sport at age 25.