I would like to make a few comments and share my personal experiences, which might clarify this week's article "GLBTQ Panel Discusses Issues, Answers."
Firstly, I would like to commend Ms. Neale for writing this piece. It is candid, honest and respects the wishes of all of those who participated in the "Queer and Answer" forum. With that said, there are points that I believe should be clarified. After reading this article one might question the nature of the University of Richmond track team, and hold us suspect based on Ms. Gehlblach's quotes on what it was like to be a member of the team. I also realize that my comments in this article, specifically, "Mello, who is on the University of Richmond track team, has encountered homophobia from fellow athletes since middle school," can imply that I have been subjected to bigotry while participating in Richmond's track program.
It's true. I have experienced hazing and malicious verbal abuse from my teammates due to my sexuality while in high school and as a member of my previous university's track team. However, this has not been the case during my time at Richmond. After spending the last year and a half on the team and the majority of each day socializing and training with all my teammates, I can whole heartedly say that this is the most respectful and loving team that I have ever been on. While there is some awkwardness between some of my teammates and me because of my sexuality and conflicts with their beliefs, I have never been hazed, tormented, verbally assaulted or alienated by any members of the track team. After I came out to many members of the team at last semester's forum on sexuality run by the Richmond College Student Government Association, my teammates did the best thing they could possibly do ... nothing. My teammates didn't alienate me nor did they treat me like the token queer on the team. Also, when around me, they did not try to be overly politically correct, fearing that any sexuality-questionable comments might offend me and thus make me feel like I was becoming an "other" rather than their teammate. Instead, they said OK, left it at that, respected my feelings and treated me like they would have treated any other member of the team: with the utmost respect, care and appreciation.
I am proud to be a member of the Richmond track team. I see each one of my teammates as a friend, confidant and most importantly, a brother. To me the track team is more than just a sports program, it is a family. I would hate to see myself or any one of my teammates dragged down by this article, which was meant to show that the panel and those involved are concerned about creating an all inclusive atmosphere at this university, not a witch hunt pointing fingers at only a few people.
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