Notre Dame QB Stands for Equality

As a out ND grad (class of '08) I have to say I'm thrilled to see Crist sporting one of the Stand Against Hate shirts. And while ND certainly has a long way to go before it could be described as accepting to the LGBT community, there have been some clear steps in the right direction. Slow progress yes, but certainly some progress- mostly with the student body, who, at least a few years back when I was there, seemed to be in support of the LGBT community for the most part.

Bravo to the young man and I hope he keeps displaying his support. More so, I hopes he lives up to his promise and gets the attention of Notre Dame's most famous alumni, Regis Philbin. A chance to change Notre Dame is offered here because Regis may talk his prowess on the field but Kelly will pick up on his cause which should open a dialogue and Regis is not a homophobe. And regardless of Clay Aiken's feelings Kelly is very pro-gay and she and her husband do a lot for gay causes in New York. Though I have a nephew who recently attended Notre Dame and he states that it is not as gay opposed as one would think for a Catholic University. He said like any University there were the jerks but most of the student body was accepting. Young Catholics don't hold the same prejudices as their parents, but then their parents don't hold the same values as their parents. Remember divorce, abortion and birth control are all practiced counter to Romes wishes.

What irritates me about the LGBT community (and I am a part of that community) is that there is actually posters who will whine and complain about wanting more (like the poster who stated that they want an actual gay quarterback). This guy, the current Notre Dame QB put alot on the line at the school ad his position to stand up for what is right. Lets applaud him for doing that and appreciate the positive this is instead of always wanting more. It would be great for a gay QB to stand up but this guy isn't and supports the community. Good for him

That's great. But when will we see an actual gay man that happens to be a quarterback or other athelete stand up. Enough allies, let's get us to stand up.

The more I read the more I think that things are changing. And the younger set will be the deaht of homophobic churches. Professsional sports, Actors (we all realize gays seem to be drawn to acting for msome reason), etc - the people who are in a sense heros to so many people have the opportunity to form the infrastructure that will change America and defeat the talibangelicals. As I've said many times - gay marriage is not issue number one. Ending the closet of shame and fear, a virtual ghetto not unlike what blacks experienced during segregation, and Jews experienced before being sent to the death camps, is job #! Because its hard to hate people you know and love, even if they are only (whats the word) quasi heroes to you.

David, Dayne is actually a terrific football player - perhaps the most sought-after QB of his high school graduating class. He's further along than Clausen was at the same level. So I'm pretty sure ND is going to do all it can to keep him healthy, happy, and driving the Irish downfield. This young man and others like him at Catholic universities (esp. St. Johns) are doing wonderful things to support us in enemy territory. Anybody can be an out straight ally in Berkeley, but it takes more determination and character to do the same in South Bend. Thanks, Dayne!

For what it's worth, I turned down a generous visiting professor offer at ND years ago because I'm gay and they are not friendly to people like me. Things there change very slowly, even less in their headquarters at the Vatican.

Did anyone check to see if he had any idea what the shirt meant?

I'm glad to see we're talking about our straight allies. If we're ever going to succeed in this fight for equality - we need to make allies and build coalitions. It's the only way that we'll ever stamp out hate and homophobia. We need to devote more time and energy to building these kinds of alliances. I'm glad that this football player is on our side. It's an encouraging story. Thanks.

suprised the article didn't mention the Notre Dame anti gay cartoon ruckus last year....it's good to see there's at least 1 open mind a t the school.