GenQ - For the not so straight individual

In life, there are few that inspire us. There are very few that make us think, feel and be thankful. Last Sunday I attended gay pride Rockland county, my local town’s pride. I was able to meet Esera Tuaolo, a famous football player that has recently outed himself. Tuaolo played on many teams including the Greenbay Packers.

It is never easy for one to come out. To break open that closet and never go back. These are challenges every GLBT person will face within their lives. However, as a celebrity you are in the spotlight a lot more. You are not only the focus but the main focus. You are the talk of the town. As for Tuaolo, he was not only famous but a famous football player. A role that most feel is played by a straight man. Yet in the year 2007 there are more gays in the sports industry then we know. Many feel one that comes out as an athlete will lose their fans. I see it as, gaining new ones and losing ones not worth having.

Tuaolo was featured in Rosie O’donnell’s Family cruise. A vacation thanks to Rosie that allows the GLBT to take a cruise with their family. Tuaolo was interviewed with his long time partner Mitchell Wherley and their twins. As I watched the special, I noticed how different Tuaolo was. He was such a family man, so caring and genuine.

Celebrities are very different on screen and off screen. When Esera Tuaolo did his speech I was incredibly inspired. He spoke of his childhood in Hawaii and what it was like growing up gay and in the closet. Tuaolo sang for us and his voice is one of a beautiful angel. There was a question and answer period in which I simply thanked him for being a great role model. As he was about to do some signings, I went up to him and shook his hand and told him it was a pleasure to meet him. I have never met someone with such a presence. Not only does he stand tall in height, but in confidence as well. Confidence in not only coming out of the closet on his own, but in inspiring others to do so.

Photo Credit: Rachel Galperin

Thank you Esera Tuaolo!

If you want to read more about Esera Tuaolo, please check out Luke Miller's article here at Generation Q and Esera Tuaolo's personal website at http://www.eseratuaolo.com.