Are we as the LGBT community becoming way too sensitive when it comes to certain terms? We've all heard people refer to things as, "That's gay" or "No homo," but are those slang terms as offensive as "queer" or "faggot?"
Greg Hernandez of Gay Star News took offense to Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith, after he posted a photo of a man wearing pink socks with the caption, "Look at this queen." After the full story was revealed and heterosexual/homosexual commentators sided with Smith, it was clear that Hernandez jumped the gun:
Torrey Smith, a wide receiver for reigning Super Bowl champions Baltimore Ravens, posted a homophobic slur on his Instagram account today.
Next to a photo of an unidentified man wearing pink flowery socks, Smith wrote: 'Look at this queen.'
Smith took to Twitter to respond to the photo first being reported by TMZ.com.
'The things these gossip sites do to get attention smh,' he tweeted. 'I wasn't being offensive nor am I homophobic not apologizing or taking it down.'
Smith, 24, was drafted by the Ravens in 2011. He has enjoyed one of his best seasons reaching the 1,000 yard receiving season mark for the first time.
The post comes at a time when the NFL is dealing with the perception of widespread homophobia within the league among players and coaches. The league has never had a player come out as gay during his career.
On Thursday (2 January), former NFL player Chris Kluwe alleged that he was fired from the Minnesota Vikings because of his outspoken support of LGBTI equality.
Update: Several comments on Smith's Instagram account identify the man in the photo as the player's brother. Smith tweeted Friday evening: 'I'm just glad people ... know my true character.'
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
[GAY STAR NEWS]
