Brian Burke, Newfound Gay Hero?

Hockey is not a sport I follow, but I have been paying attention to the revelation that Brian Burke, general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has a gay son.

Brendan and Brian Burke

Coming from the hyper-masculine world of hockey, this is a big deal.

The stage for a discussion on homophobia in hockey was set a few weeks ago when USA Today columnist Justin Bourne wrote an editorial apologizing for using antigay slurs while a player.

But I doubt Bourne expected one of the sport’s most respected personalities to speak out on this issue.

The news that Burke supports his son offers more evidence of the power of coming out. I can’t prove it, but I don’t think Brian Burke gave much attention to the equality of gays until his son’s announcement. Now he is offering to march in a gay pride parade.