Athlete Ally Launced by Wrestling Star Hudson Taylor

As numerous stories have told, the world of athletics remains a world fraught with homophobia where sports stars feel pressured to remain closeted for fear of the negative consequences on their careers. It's a sick situation that holds true in many professions, especially in red states where attorneys, accountants, doctors and many others remain in the closet to avoid firing and social ostracism. But these professions to not have the public adulation so often reserved for sports heroes. Now, champion collegiate wrestler, and now coach at Columbia University, Hudson Taylor (pictured at right) is trying to end this situation. Although straight himself, Taylor has launched Athlete Ally which has a goal of ending homophobia in sports. Its a worthy goal not only for those already in the sports world but even more so that LGBT youth can someday see gays prominently represented in that world and lending role models to younger generations. Here's how Athlete Ally describes itself:
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ATHLETEALLY.COM was created by HUDSON TAYLOR as a resource to encourage athletes, coaches, parents, fans and other members of the sports community to respect all individuals involved in sports, regardless of perceived or actual sexual-orientation or gender identity or expression.
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The site goes on to ask that people sign a pledge to end homophobia in sports so that competitors can be valued for the skill and ability and not merely on the basis of sexual orientation. Here's the motivation behind the pledge:

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ATHLETE ALLY PLEDGE: “I created the Pledge so that we, as an athletic community, can take proactive steps to end homophobia in sports. When we inspire entire teams and athletic departments to commit to a new standard of athletic integrity, we will change the environment in locker rooms and on playing fields. Adding your name to the growing list of supporters is the first step to make a difference.”
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A resounding "Thank You" goes out to Hudson Taylor.