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Stand Up with Ben Cohen Cheers Atlanta!
Stand Up with Ben Cohen Cheers Atlanta!
THE STAND UP WITH BEN COHEN BLOG
Sunday, 22 May 2011 00:00
Things have set off at an alarming fast pace. I can’t believe we are already 3 days into the tour! Atlanta was an incredible start. The Atlanta Bucks did us proud.
Our first stop was Fado’s Irish Bar where I was able to meet a whole group of people and start to understand what the foundation means to people. I have been really overwhelmed with the response and I am thrilled to be able to come over and start spreading the stand up message.
The first part of the week has been mainly taken up with a few days of photo shoot for next year's calendar and press photos for the foundation. Thanks go to Boris and Tomas who lead me through it brilliantly. I am really pleased with the results I have seen so far. It was tiring but lots of fun.
I have also been doing some filming with Christopher Hines for a programme he is making for Logo TV. So that has taken up a lot of time as well. It’s all quite new to me and I am having to adjust to a completely different type of work to what I am used to.
On Friday night we officially launched the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation at Livingstone Restaurant in Atlanta. My thanks go to our new Foundation Friends who supported that so generously. It was really great to be able to get to know people and find out their stories and why the foundation is of interest to them. Again, I am bowled over with the support. One guy flew in from Tel Aviv to join us! Now that’s dedication!
Yesterday Atlanta turned hot – I mean really hot. But apparently it is going to get much hotter. Phew! We went to Oglethorpe University to be part of a rugby match arranged by the Atlanta Bucks. It was a good match! I saw some really good rugby. Interesting to see that when you score your first try for the club you have to run round the pitch naked at the end of the match. Not sure how that would go down at Twickenham!
On a flight to New York now. When we get there Jill and I are off to do an interview for PBS and then I am going on to be part of an episode of the A Listers. Then off to Boxers for a Beer with Ben event and later the Andy Cohen show.
Better get some shut eye whilst I have the chance.
Cheers until the next time.
Ben
p.s. Here are some pics from my time in Atlanta...
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Comments (5)
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Cohen at Gay Bars, Gay Websites, Gay TV Shows
Ben, how successful can you be at changing the minds of straight people when your tour and promotion consists of going to Gay bars, Gay TV shows, and writing this blog on a Gay website? Why not go to straight bars and write a blog on a straight website? That's the audience that needs to listen. AND make donations. Don't make the gays pay for their own rescue...again. Jim
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May 23, 2011
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A Force for Good
When I met Ben at Oglethorpe we had a brief but moving conversation. The man does NOT want any thanks for what he is doing with his foundation. He strikes me as a regular guy who has seen what Life is asking of him now that he's retired from active play. He has stepped up with the mental and physical discipline he learned on the pitch to take a stand AGAINST bullying and discrimination and FOR the mental and physical discipline needed to create a better world for his daughters and for all of us. I thank God as I understand God for Ben Cohen and the circle of people who join him in this endeavor.
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May 23, 2011
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Ben is NOT just at gay bars and on gay TV shows
I don't live in Atlanta, but I don't think Fado's Irish Pub is a gay establishment. Ditto for Livingston Restaurant. And Oglethorpe University? These all seem like mainstream places to me.
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May 23, 2011
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Cohen at Gay Bars and Gay websites
Jim
I hit vote up instead of down and then hit the report to abuse button by mistake!
I wanted to hit no I do not agree with you at all All the venues that I attended with the tour were not gay they were mainstream venues. Ben in being introduced to America and he has a story to tell. Not every gay person or straight person knows his name they may know his face but you have to hear his story to appreciate what he is doing. You should turn this into a positive and get involved with the movement. I have been telling people all about this organization both straight and gay. They are impressed that this now retired pro athlete has taken on this cause and they wish more American pro athletes would take on a role like this instead of being more focused on how many millions can they make and then go bankrupt on! We have to help start the change get involved and make a difference!
I hit vote up instead of down and then hit the report to abuse button by mistake!
I wanted to hit no I do not agree with you at all All the venues that I attended with the tour were not gay they were mainstream venues. Ben in being introduced to America and he has a story to tell. Not every gay person or straight person knows his name they may know his face but you have to hear his story to appreciate what he is doing. You should turn this into a positive and get involved with the movement. I have been telling people all about this organization both straight and gay. They are impressed that this now retired pro athlete has taken on this cause and they wish more American pro athletes would take on a role like this instead of being more focused on how many millions can they make and then go bankrupt on! We have to help start the change get involved and make a difference!
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May 23, 2011
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Hey Ben and Jill.....It was great to meet you both and hats off to Abby..she's amazing! The time spent getting to know you all and listen to the stories and support for Stand Up was well worth the trip. There is such momentum and good to see it come together. The only thing I would have changed would have been to have had more women to attend. I think they would have provided a perspective worth mentioning. Also, I'd like to share my pictures of the event with you. How would I go about sending them to you?
Cheers, Bruce
Cheers, Bruce
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May 23, 2011
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I am passionate about standing up against homophobia and feel compelled to take action. It is time we stand up for what is right and support young people who are being harmed. As athletes, it is not enough just to have strong bodies. We must have strong characters and use our voices to support those who need and deserve it.
Every person on this planet has a right to be true to themselves, to love and be loved, and to be happy. I encourage others to stand up with me and make a difference. Stand up for equality, stand up against bullying.
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THE BEN COHEN ACCEPTANCE TOUR 2011
The Cities & Dates
Atlanta
May 19-21
New York City
May 22-24
Washington D.C.
May 24-26
Seattle
May 27-29
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