From left: David Kopay, Neil Giuliano, Esera Tuaolo, Mike Freeman, Jim Buzinski and Jackie Lepow. Photo courtesy of GLAAD. Ted Rybka. Photo courtesy of GLAAD____________
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation ( GLAAD ) launched its newest program earlier this month. It is called Sports Media, and Ted Rybka, a lifelong athlete and former journalist, directs it.
GLAAD created the Sports Media desk to ensure that the stories of LGBT athletes, coaches and sports reporters are included in media as a way to combat anti-gay prejudice in American sports culture.
'GLAAD fights homophobia through media advocacy, thus making sure the media's portrayal of the LGBT community is fair, accurate and inclusive. For the most part, it has been working in the entertainment and news industry,' said Rybka, 36, who originally is from Baltimore and now lives and works in New York City.
'The Sports Media program was started because every news organization has a sports desk,' he continued. 'From USA Today to high school newspapers. And GLAAD feels it's really important that LGBT athletes be given the same visibility as their straight teammates. That's why this program is here.'
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The program's first event was the football forum The Closet Doors of the NFL, held in New York City in conjunction with Gay Bowl 7.
'I feel like this position gives me the opportunity to affect change, a positive change,' said Rybka.
'My immediate goal is to create visibility for the program. I want the community to know that I'm here as a resource and that I want to help them tell their stories. That's the only way we can affect change, to hear the LGBT athletes tell their stories.
'My long-term goal is for LGBT athletes to live honestly and openly, on and off the field. And we're seeing that [ happen ] , mostly from the high school and college level. But I'd like there to be more Sheryl Swoopes, more Martina Navritalovas, more Esera Tuaolos, more Dave Kopays.'
Rybka is working to develop favorable relationships with reporters—sports reporters and general reporters. And he also is working to develop the trust of athletes. GLAAD, for instance, wants to team up with sports tournaments, Rybka said, such as Gay Bowl VII, which attracted about 500 athletes and the NAGAAA Softball World Series, which attracted about 3,000 athletes. 'We want to connect with those athletes,' he said.
All athletes are important, regardless of their level of play, Rybka said. 'Having their stories told, regardless of what level they are at, affects people's perception of the LGBT community.'
Rybka's plan for the program is steady, smart growth, thus, 'I think it will be more than just me [ working in this department ] very shortly.'
'I think LGBT athletes are under-represented in the media. I'd like to see a lot more stories being told,' he said. 'Take, for instance, the Olympics. NBC-TV is really famous for doing its personal profiles on select athletes, and they show the athlete interacting with their family. Well, I want to ensure that LGBT athletes are portrayed in the same manner, so, if they have a partner, they can discuss that openly.
'I think GLAAD has had the foresight to realize how important this program is, so I have no fears. Being a former journalist, I certainly think I'll be able to relate to journalists, and the kind of stories they want to tell.'
