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Stand Up with Ben Cohen Midnight Train to Washington
Stand Up with Ben Cohen Midnight Train to Washington
THE STAND UP WITH BEN COHEN BLOG
Thursday, 26 May 2011 00:00
I managed to get a glimpse at the White House last night as we are now in DC enjoying a hectic leg of the tour. I was surprised at
how small it was. Very lovely though.After a train journey from New York we arrived late in the evening in Washington and went straight along to The Town night club where the Washington Renegades had laid on a Beer with Ben evening for us. I think I met just about everyone, even though it was a bit of a rush, and we raised some great foundation funds from the auction.
So a big thank you to all involved and next time we will try to get there a bit earlier in the evening!
The next morning I spoke at a Corporate Breakfast event run by HRC (Human Rights Campaign) who are one of our StandUp network partners. Not sure how I came across because I have to say I was exhausted, but everyone was really supportive, as they have been since the minute I stepped off the plane a few weeks ago.
After a swift exit and drive to the other side of town I met a whole group of young people at the Richard Montgomery High School who were a great bunch. Between us we created a new StandUp slogan for their school to help combat bullying and bring awareness to the issue. I am ashamed to say I have forgotten what they chose but I do remember it had ‘love’ in it, so that’s nice.
Last night we had a meet and greet in the new 901 luxury restaurant. Thank you to David (the owner) and HRC for making this happen. I met some amazing people who are going to help us along the way to combat bullying.
No rest for the wicked, in the gym this morning for a work out with an auction winner. Vida Fitness provided everything for us, including the latte at the end which was great. Lovely gym. Very well equipped.This afternoon I am off to do a television interview for MSNBC so have to sign off now and get ready. It’s all go!
Thanks everyone.
Ben
p.s. more pics from the events coming soon!
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Cultural Perceptions of Masculinity :: Book Recommendation
Hello,
It's really such an amazing cause you've taken on. So many of us suffered not measuring up in school to the "manly" athletes so revered and elevated in society. Playing a sport automatically conferred status and popularity while giving license to mock the less athletic, throw them up against walls, torment them in the locker rooms and make their school experience one filled with dread. I was humiliated constantly for being "gay" at a time when I hadn't even realized it myself. It really was a form of torture. What really hurt was the tacit approval of this bullying by teachers and administrators. It truly felt like there was nowhere safe to go. This bullying made it so difficult to eventually admit to myself I was gay, because I didn't want to be the person my tormentors mocked me for being all of those years.
It's extremely validating for these young kids to have a star-athlete role model shared by those same tormentors, to step in and make it clear that it's not okay to use athlete status to bully.
You really have great character and this cause will make a difference.
Two things: 1) Hopefully you'll come to Chicago soon and 2) I recommend this book (if you haven't seen it already) for understanding why kids feel compelled to treat other kids so badly: http://www.ucpress.edu/book.php?isbn=9780520252301
--Joe
It's really such an amazing cause you've taken on. So many of us suffered not measuring up in school to the "manly" athletes so revered and elevated in society. Playing a sport automatically conferred status and popularity while giving license to mock the less athletic, throw them up against walls, torment them in the locker rooms and make their school experience one filled with dread. I was humiliated constantly for being "gay" at a time when I hadn't even realized it myself. It really was a form of torture. What really hurt was the tacit approval of this bullying by teachers and administrators. It truly felt like there was nowhere safe to go. This bullying made it so difficult to eventually admit to myself I was gay, because I didn't want to be the person my tormentors mocked me for being all of those years.
It's extremely validating for these young kids to have a star-athlete role model shared by those same tormentors, to step in and make it clear that it's not okay to use athlete status to bully.
You really have great character and this cause will make a difference.
Two things: 1) Hopefully you'll come to Chicago soon and 2) I recommend this book (if you haven't seen it already) for understanding why kids feel compelled to treat other kids so badly: http://www.ucpress.edu/book.php?isbn=9780520252301
--Joe
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May 27, 2011
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Club sponsor
Ben I'm a big fan, thanks for doing the acceptance tour. I practiced with the Renegades years ago (when I was a younger man), and now sponsor the rugby club at the high school at which I teach (most of the team members are in my level 1 and 2 classes). I didn't take the kids to Town, since it was a beer night at a nightclub on a school night, but they all now about the work you're doing.
On another note, our school has a very active GSA, and my non-profit (GLSEN Northern Virginia) is having an lgbt and allied prom next Saturday. Not only do your efforts lead to an end to anti-lgbt bullying in sports, but I think they also let lgbt kids know that sports are OK for them too.
Thanks
Robert Rigby, Jr.
West Potomac High School
On another note, our school has a very active GSA, and my non-profit (GLSEN Northern Virginia) is having an lgbt and allied prom next Saturday. Not only do your efforts lead to an end to anti-lgbt bullying in sports, but I think they also let lgbt kids know that sports are OK for them too.
Thanks
Robert Rigby, Jr.
West Potomac High School
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June 01, 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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