Flamboyant American figure skater Johnny Weir says it's a "misconception" that men's figure skating is a "gay sport." In an interview that will air on HBO's Real Sports on Feb. 9, interviewer Frank Deford asks Weir: "Do you think the fact that some people dismiss figure skating as gay hurts the sport?"
Weir, a self-described "effeminate person" who likes "sparkly things," gets to the heart of what men don't like about the sport, and also takes a dig at America's favorite pastime.
"I know for the men's population of the United States, figure skating is a gay sport," but Weir adds, "there are so many straight athletes in figure skating."
But why do many American men really dislike the sport?
"I think it's the music and costumes that turn most men off," says Weir, who is known for his glitzy costumes. "They want to see spandex men hitting each other's ass and throwing a ball. It's very different," he says sarcastically.
On his Web site, Weir lists the New York Giants as one of his favorite teams. Other favorites listed include furs (chinchilla, sable, beaver), weather (rain, thunderstorms, full moons) and poets (Tolstoy, Pushkin).
As for his sexuality? He touched on it here. "I don't feel the need to express my sexual being because it's not part of my sport and it's private," Weir said. "I can sleep with whomever I choose and it doesn't affect what I'm doing on the ice, so speculation is speculation."
Weir, 25, a three-time U.S. national champion, will be vying for his first Olympic medal at the Vancouver Games, which start Friday.
Comments (Page 1 of 10)
Men's figure skating is not a "gay" sport. The skill and athleticism required is unbelievable. However, I understand that because there have been some gay figure skaters, some people immediately assume that they all are gay. Ridiculous. Why people wonder about someone's sexuality is a mystery to me. Why does anyone care? We spend too much time caring about something like that, when there are far more important things in the world to care about.
Pamela: I agree wholeheartedly. Why are we concerned about someone's sexuality? Isn't it enough to admire the magnificent athleticism, artistry and dedication to excellence?
"Some gay figure skaters"? Are you nuts? Name 5 male figure skaters that anyone has ever heard of, who are straight. You can't because there aren't that many. It is a predominantly "gay" "sport". The fact that such a flamboyantly gay person is complaining about it is farcical and sad at the same time.
Michael Weiss, Paul Wylie, Kurt Browning, Scott Hamilton and Gary Beacom-all married.......and I didn't have to think about it.
Well let's see.. there's John Zimmerman (Olympic Bronze Medalist, as well as a contestant on Skating with the Stars, who is married to a figure skater who skated for Italy in the last Olympics), Sean Wirtz (skating partner of Elizabeth Putman), Peter Tchernyshev (originally from Russia, skating partner of Naomi Lang, and married since October 2008). Also are, Vakhtang Murvanidze (skated for Georgia twice as an Olympian, 2002 & 2006), Josh Murphy (skates as a pairs competitor). I can go on if you would like..
Come on now...Call a spade a spade. It is INDEED a Gay sport. No one is saying that gay men cannot be athletes - but it is a gay sport. The fact that most if not all of the skaters are gay and have been gay in history is a tell tale sign. Even those who may not be gay are less than the sterotypical American Man.
Yes, Tim Towles, we understand. You prefer your gay men driving big rigs and being sleezy at the local truckstop. Oh, wait. You would probably prefer them dressed like republicans toe tapping in the men's room. Give it a rest. The person who protests the loudest is always the most guilty, little man.
I could not care less about a person's sexual preference---unless that person "flamboyantly" expresses it. Weir shows his sexual preference every time he goes on the ice. I also don't think that figure skating or "ice dancing" should be considered sports. What is the next sport? Crocheting? Disco dancing? Crossword puzzle solving? All three take skill and intelligence, and disco dancing takes a lot of athletic ability.
The reason why they are not considered sports is because they are "activities", much as figure skating and ice dancing both are. A SIDENOTE TO WEIR---I hope that you are enjoying your closet.
I agree with all that you say here, and for those that don't, I ask you here; can you lift a woman over your head while keeping time to music and balancing on two thin pieces of metal? I didn't think so.
Even if figure skating (or any sport, for that matter) is "gay", what does it matter??!! We are so obsessed with sexual orientation in this country...Just another distraction from REAL PROBLEMS in this country, real problems like learning tolerance and getting along and working together for the common good! WOW...WHAT A NOVEL IDEA!!! (GROW UP, AMERICA!!)
This is in response to Yogwhatup's response.
You are ignorant. Do you not understand what "call a spade a spade" means? Where it comes from?
Pamela,
I think even Weir will admit that it is a predominantly "gay" sport, in that the majority of the male atheletes (and yes, they are absolutely atheletes, no question there)are gay, but beyond that the majority of the male figure skating or ice dancing fans will also be gay. That in my opinion makes it a gay sport. You wont see too many straight men flipping back and forth between the football game and the North American Ice Dancing Championships... right?
@db1219, you're an ignorant ***. Of course its a sport, the same way gymnastics is a sport. Just because there is a lot of art involved doesn't mean the incredible feats of athleticism and strength go out the window.
Figure skating is 10 times the sport that the skeleton luge is, but no one seems to complain that thats always in the olympics.
But Pamela, I agree with you on one other thing... Who cares? Those individuals, gay, straight, transvestite prostitutes....whatever. They put on an a show, and its up to you to decide if you like it. If not, turn the channel.
In response to boxermc2:
I know you aren't referring to the idea that "calling a spade, a spade" is in someway a racial slur. Now THAT would be ignorant. That saying has been in use for hundreds of years in colloquial English literature, and is in no way racist.
It's fricking GAY!
Why do they even CALL skating a sport in the first place? there is no goal,target line to cross,you are judged ,just like a Dog Show,and you get more points for "Style." Yeah, its athletic,but has become more of a Fashion Show on Bravo than a sport in recent years
db1219 - Did you really just blame Weir for "flaunting his sexuality" every time he goes out there and does what everyone else in the competition does? And then in the same comment, accuse him of hiding in the closet? This kind of brainless argument is exactly why some people should just not talk.
You go, Johnny, and God bless you for being just who you are!! With love from one of your fans.
shromike----is that a statement of fact or just your warped opinion?
shromike 2-09-2010 8:00AM
yes it is a GAY sport
You should know considering that you are gay. The little pot calling the big kettle black.
if you ever think figure skating is gay look at evgeny plushenko's
sex bomb performance..........not only is plushenko all man he will beat the
skirt off weir at vancouver