CNN discuss Johnny Weir and Gay Rights in Russia - WATCH

My friend John Becker was on CNN today, discussing Johnny Weir and Russia. Watch

I agree with both John and Don on some pieces. I don't think anyone can be an activist, but I do think you can do something (effectively) to raise awareness.

Foolishness Alert: Johnny Weir is an Evil Foreign Agent from Mother Russia!

I read this article on AmericaBlog about Johnny Weir and basically, it's interesting.

Here's a piece of it:

NBC Sports recently hired former professional figure skater Johnny Weir to provide commentary on the upcoming 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, without disclosing that Weir claims to be an agent of the very country he’s covering for NBC – Russia.

Johnny Weir’s bio says he “works” with the Russian consulate in NYC

Journalist Andy Humm recently discovered Weir’s, and NBC’s, apparent conflict of interest while reviewing Weir’s bio (which has suddenly been removed post-publication of this story) at Premiere Speakers Bureau. Weir’s bio reads in part:

Due to his ability to understand global art and culture and his sporting expertise, Weir has recently begun working as a Goodwill Sports Ambassador to Japan and also works with the Russian Children’s Welfare Society and Russian Consulate in New York City.

Funny, because AmericaBlog claims that Johnny works for the Russian Consulate, even though both bios says he worked WITH, not FOR them.

Anywho,  this is PSB website with Johnny's bio:

Then they took it down. Possibly, after hearing how this page branded Johnny as a RUSSIA DOUBLE AGENT.  No, actually, they recognized it as a typo and took it down. However, if anyone bothered to check out JW's website, you will see what he actually does with Russian Consulate:

Russian Children’s Welfare Society. In collaboration with the General Consulate of the Russian Federation in New York, RCWS hosted its annual Benefit Gala in September 2010 in New York City, with Johnny among the celebrity guests in attendance to support the charity. Proceeds from the event were used to purchase sports equipment for orphanages in Russia as well as to support other RCWS efforts.

Go here, to see the gala he was involved with. Now, many folks jumped to conclusions and called Johnny all types of names. But the sad part is, they did it without knowing everything or the truth. As some folks know AmericaBlog is good for race baiting and misinformation. However, this particular post was a prime example of assumption making and bad research.

Luckily, folks are questioning AmericaBlog's article and calling them out for this mess. But really, this type of foolishness is getting out of hand. I'm not a super fan of Johnny Weir, but if you going to come for him, use facts not fiction.

Queer Nation protests against Johnny Weir. Claims NBC has a "Disinformation Campaign" going on

Lord...

So last night, Queer Nation protest Johnny Weir because he will be a NBC correspondent at the Sochi Winter Games.

This is their statement:

“In advance of its broadcast of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Russia, NBC has embarked on a disinformation campaign to minimize the plight of LGBT Russians in order to justify its involvement in the Games,” said Duncan Osborne, a member of Queer Nation. 

“NBC has had the openly gay Johnny Weir, a former figure skater, and Thomas Roberts, the openly gay MSNBC anchor, make public comments that suggest that Russia’s anti-gay laws are not harming LGBT Russians,” Osborne continued. “But those laws have led to the arrest and imprisonment of LGBT Russians, and have resulted in de facto state-sanctioned beatings, torture, rape, and murder of Russian lesbians and gay men. NBC should stop deceiving the public and tell the truth.”

Tell the truth? How do you know NBC is masking the story? Wouldn't they want to cover any anti-gay news as it happens? And what secret info do you have that supports this NBC "disinformation campaign"?

Seriously, what does this accomplish? What minds are you changing, QN? Johnny is still going Russia and the games are still happening. I'm truly struggling with your purpose and at this point, your existence.

You all are acting like Kardashians, trying to stay in front of the cameras. Yes, we know about the foolishness in Russia, we know. However, I don't see what you are doing make things better. How about this, why not go to Russia. Since you live to protest the air, go there and rally make a difference. Because over here, you are just wasting our time.

Interesting Quote(s): Johnny Weir

"I risk jail time just going there, but the Olympics are not the place to make a political statement. I’m not a politician and I don’t really talk about politics. You don’t have to agree with the politics, but you have to respect the culture of a country you are visiting." 

“It’s pretty obvious that I’ve been gay my whole life. I don’t need to break any laws or wear a rainbow pin to show people that I support gay rights. I think I’ll do that just by being in Sochi and supporting our people there and know they are not alone." 

"The gay community has not reacted well to me because some people think it’s my responsibility to be an activist. They’re expecting me to hate Russia because I haven’t been given equal rights in Russia.” 

"If it’s good enough for Elton John, it’s good enough for me. Every country’s going to have its issues."

source

Johnny Weir Retires from Skating and Hired as a NBC Commentator at Sochi

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