The playing field became a bit more level this year for gays and lesbians. A deluge of support from straight allies pushed the issue of gays in sport to centre field.
Players from the NHL, NFL, CFL and other sports organizations got behind the message that gays and lesbians have a place in sport.
Among the biggest agents of change is Brian Burke, president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. His gay son, Brandon, was an up-and-coming hockey manager before his life was cut short in a car accident.
In a very touching memorial, Brian Burke and his son Patrick started the You Can Play campaign to fight homophobia in sports.
As Xtra reporter Andrea Houston says, “He’s the real deal.”
Below, Houston looks back on 2012 and how it became the year of fighting homophobia in sport.
The next step for 2013? An openly gay athlete in pro sports.
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