Michael Irvin: Backs Same-Sex Rights in Out Magazine

[n2doc]

n an article that came out in Out Magazine Tuesday, former Cowboys great Michael Irvin openly discusses his gay older brother and endorses same-sex rights.

The Hall of Fame receiver also told the magazine that he would support any gay athlete that decided to become the first in major professional sports to come out of the closet.

"If anyone comes out in those top four major sports, I will absolutely support him," Irvin is quoted as saying. "That's why I do my radio show every day. When these issues come out, I want to have a voice to speak about them. I think growth comes when we share. Until we do that, we're going to be stuck in the Dark Ages about a lot of things. When a guy steps up and says, 'This is who I am,' I guarantee you I'll give him 100 percent support."

In the article, Irvin discusses his older brother, Vaughn, at length.

As a young man, Irvin observed his brother walking down the street in women's clothing. His father confirmed that his older brother was gay and taught young Michael to accept it and love his sibling. Vaughn was a successful bank manager who died of stomach cancer in 2006 at the age of 49.



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