ESPN columnist LZ Granderson writes a moving tribute to a 19-year-old gay man who played sports, came out in high school, was shunned by his mother, lived life bravely, changed hearts and minds in his small hometown -- and was tragically killed in an auto accident last week:
"Anthony was also captain of the swim team, a member of the wrestling squad and part of the yearbook staff. Despite his being the big man on campus, freshmen felt comfortable enough around him to ask for help if they were being bullied by other upperclassmen. Teachers loved him, and the girls adored him. In six years, there had been only one graduation party principal Jim Broncatello stayed at until the end. It was Anthony's."
More: 'The Brilliant Life of Anthony Castro' (ESPN.com)
Also see a touching personal remembrance by OutSports editor Jim Buzinski, who knew Anthony and writes about the courage and inspiring spirit of his young friend:
"Anthony was that rarest of people – an athlete out to his team. In Anthony's case, he was out in high school to his football and wrestling teams, our two most macho team sports. It took guts to take such a step but Anthony never thought too much about it – he was not ashamed of who he was and if you were uncomfortable, that was your problem."
More: 'Anthony Castro R.I.P., A Tribute to a Friend and Athlete' (Outsports.com)
Pictured: Anthony (left) with his boyfriend Cody
Photo by Brent Mullins, courtesy of Outsports.com
4 comments:
The ESPN story is very moving and inspiring. What a tragedy to loose someone so special. I know "special" sounds like a cliche, but how many men at 19 are so confident and brave? I think all gay men can learn something from this article.
This kid sounded like a very EXCEPTIONAL young man-a TRUE role model, indeed! May he rest with the angels and have peace he wouldn't have found on this earth. I'm sure he will be missed(too short was his time here on earth). Much love and many prayers to his family...! ("Lest we forget how fragile we are..").
Sorry to hear bout this young man bein takein at such a young age, iam sure he could have would have made a big diffrence in this life, had he of lived he would have left his mark here on earth, as i am sure he has already, my prayers and love goes out to his family and friends who knew him.and let others take notice and keep his love for life going for ever! love and peace from my family and yours.
Too often we read about remarkable people dying too young, Anthony was surely one of them. Perhaps with other brave and open people like Anthony the world would learn to be more tolerant. Heaven has been blessed with another angel. May he rest in Peace, and watch us ,and protect us all from the sky.
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