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Minnesota Lynx star Seimone Augustus speaks out against anti-gay marriage amendment
- Updated: October 15, 2012
RoundballDaily.com staff
Minnesota Lynx star Seimone Augustus is taking a break from the WNBA Finals to take a stand against a ban on gay marriage in Minnesota. The team, which is a win away from becoming the fist in WNBA history to win back-to-back championships, is supporting her.
From the Associated Press:
Augustus (right) with her girlfriend. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
“I felt like it was the perfect time for me, being on a platform where I can make a change with my voice and my situation,” Augustus told The Associated Press. “Maybe inspire someone else to come out and be comfortable with themselves. Or maybe someone else’s parents will see my parents saying that it’s OK to be with your child and love your child unconditionally regardless of your sexual preference.”
Augustus came out to supportive parents when she was still in high school and has never hidden the fact that she’s a lesbian. But it wasn’t until she proposed to Varner on Miami Beach that she started feeling comfortable with the idea of taking things public.
Down 1-0 to Indiana in the best-of-five WNBA Finals, the Lynx are looking to become the league’s first repeat champions in 10 years. Augustus also is fresh off a gold medal at the London Olympics, so she’s hoping to take advantage of her increased national profile to help influence the vote.
Augustus and Varner plan to be married in May, and they have dreamed of a celebration at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.
“I think it’s awesome because it shows that she’s comfortable being who she is and she feels she has the support and people won’t treat her differently just because of her sexuality,” said Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, a straight athlete who has been outspoken in his support of gay marriage. “It shouldn’t affect who you are on the basketball court or football field or even as a human being because of who you love. That’s not what makes you a person.”
Augustus is wearing one of Kluwe’s “Sparklepony” T-shirts — a phrase Kluwe used in an aggressive response to a Maryland state legislator’s efforts to quiet Baltimore Ravens player Brendon Ayanbedejo’s public support of gay marriage — during interviews at the WNBA Finals to raise awareness. Her teammates, coaches and the Lynx front office have fully supported Augustus’ efforts.
Follow Jon Krawczynski on Twitter: http://twitter.com/APKrawczynski
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.