What is an African American lesbian doing on the cover of this week's Los Angeles Times's magazine? I hadn't really intended to read the article since the teaser focussed on the disparate treatment of two African American basketball players accused of sexual assault, both employed by branches of the same corporate entity.
(I'm soooo over the whole Kobe thing!) In The Glass Closet, the story of Latasha Byears, an openly lesbian, 5'10 203 lb., WNBA player who was summarily dismissed from the team following an accusation of sexual assault upon an unnamed female victim. (Following an official investigation of nearly two years the matter has been closed "due to lack of evidence.") The numerous details which are highlighted in the article are extremely enlightening. For example, there is a staggering difference in pay between male and female basketball players (Byears was a clearly essential and valued player on a 2-time Championship team and made $60, 000 per year, Kobe's salary is $19+ million per year, excluding endorsements). Also, the revelation of the level of anxiety that corporate minders had over the public's awareness of the sexual orientation of their players and the supposed harm that would befall them if the information got out. The article also makes some sharp comments on the marketing of women athletes like Lisa Leslie, Serena Williams and (new world #1) Maria Sharapova who combine "athleticism and sexuality" by asking the question:
If these remarkably pretty women (and fantastic athletes) were also openly gay, would they be marketing icons?
The answer is of course, "hell, no!" and this unmasks the heterosexual and male privilege of the people to whom these sports are marketing themselves to. Anytime, gender and sexuality privilege is clearly revealed in a mainstream media outlet it should be noted and applauded. Kudos to the Los Angeles Times!
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