To mark the beginning of the 2007-08 professional basketball season, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) today premiered a 20-second public service announcement (PSA) featuring retired NBA player John Amaechi. This is the fifth installment of GLAAD's new public education campaign that encourages viewers to "Be an Ally & a Friend".
Amaechi made history in February 2007 when he became the first former NBA player to come out publicly. Over a six-year period, Amaechi played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz. In his New York Times bestselling autobiography, Man in the Middle, he describes his journey from being an overweight kid in England to a revered Penn State Basketball player to his years playing professional basketball - all while discovering his sexuality and being a closeted gay man.
"John has experienced firsthand how homophobia in the sports world can prevent athletes from living their lives honestly and openly," says GLAAD Director of Sports Media Ted Rybka. "John's message has the power to awaken people to the realities of what it's like to be a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender athlete."
GLAAD's "Be an Ally & a Friend" PSA campaign features 22 public figures from television, film and sports. The spots encourage people to be allies to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and to help combat homophobia, directing viewers to resources at GLAAD.org.