Time To "Man Up" On The Ice?

Last Friday, ABC World News aired a story that has been brewing for about three months and now it seems poised to explode.

In February, Skate Canada, Canada's Figure Skating Governing Body, announced a new Public Relations campaign to make skating in Canada look "tough."

Skate Canada is well aware that figure skating's image is seen as, well, gay and Skate Canada hopes to change that by focusing on the difficult aspects of figure skating such as strength, power, endurance...all the stuff that makes skaters sweat heavy!

That's when many in the gay community began to cry foul.  Egale Canada, an organization that advances equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-identified people and their families was deluged with mail about the anti-gay sentiment of Skate Canada's new PR Campaign.  The story began to unfold in newspapers, websites, blogs (including this one), and eventually found it's way to ABC World News.

Skate Canada wasn't helped when two-time Olympic Silver Medalist, Elvis Stojko, went on a self-appointed mini press tour, speaking on behalf of what Skate Canada was looking for.  Stojko told the Toronto Sun "If you're very lyrical and you're really feminine and soft, well, that's not men's skating. That is not men's skating, ok? Men's skating is power, strength, masculinity, focus, clarity of movement, interpretation of music."

But is Skate Canada really trying to alienate gays?  "I don't think Skate Canada wants to alienate gay skaters and gay fans, they just want them to start acting more masculine, which in turn alienates people. They want it both ways, and they're just not going to get it that way" says Cyd Ziegler, Co-founder, Outsports.com.  ABC World News caught-up with Cyd Ziegler when airing this story.

Another goal of Skate Canada in this new PR campaign is to improve television ratings for skating which have been sagging.  Skate Canada hopes to draw in a television audience that includes fans of other sports, like hockey.  I asked Cyd if there was a realistic way to bring the "hockey crowd" into skating:  "To draw in the hockey fans, you'll need to have figure skaters hitting each other. They're two completely different sports catering to two different interests. There are other fan groups, like tennis or golf, who would be more likely to gravitate toward figure skating. Targeting the hockey crowd is just a waste of their time." 

What are gay fans of figure skating saying about all this.  "We need to get to the place of embracing the fact that our sport NEEDS, and should encourage and nurture BOTH the artistic and athletic skating qualities" says Paul Ziller, Figure Skating fan and fellow blogger.  "These are the yin and the yang, or right and the left brain of figure skating. When both "sides" thrive, they offer a certain tenuous equation that makes skating so compelling, a symbiotic relationship that encourages the constant evolution of the entire "package" of a skater and the system, and therefore maintains the interest of and debate among fans and foes alike."  Ziller continues, "Sadly, for the Canadian Federation, Elvis Stojko, and/or skating fans/critics to try to make this into a simple discussion of gay vs. straight is small-minded, offensive, and abhorrent. It's as comedic as Miss California purporting that marriage should ONLY be between "opposite" sexes... when a large part of pageant fans and supporters are gay men. In the skating community we clearly have the same large fan base. No, it's not the whole fan base, but it's a large enough part that our voice should be heard, and is likely no minority."

Many have voiced concerns that a similar push may be happening here in the United States.  Many believed U.S. Figure Skating's decision to place young up-and-comer Brandon Mroz on the World Team instead of Johnny Weir despite Johnny's Bronze Medal the previous season that earned the U.S. its World Team spots a blatant attempt to promote more "masculine" skaters and snub the more, to use Stojko's words, lyrical, feminine, and soft skaters.  I asked Cyd Ziegler if he thought U.S. Figure Skating would attempt the same push as Skate Canada: "No way, for several reasons. First, it's not going to work: Hockey fans and kids who want to play hockey aren't suddenly going to gravitate toward figure skating because the men are more masculine. Second, the public relations problems this has stirred up for Skate Canada is alienating their core fanbase: Again, bad business decision."

All of this controversy has had Skate Canada back tracking on their statements.  In a call for clarification from Skate Canada, one reader at Cyd Ziegler's site received a lengthy reply from Skate Canada CEO William Thompson.  Amongst that response, "We certainly do not wish to alienate our fan base and, quite frankly, that fan base is very knowledgeable about skating. Our messaging was really intended for the more casual viewer of the sport, particularly with the Olympics here in Canada later this year.  For the record, while Elvis is entitled to comment on skating as he sees fit, he in no way speaks for Skate Canada and the views he recently expressed are not representative of the views of the leadership team at Skate Canada."

To be certain, all of this controversey will certainly still be swirling when the world arrives in Vancouver next February for the Olympic Games.  Skate Canada may have solved it's television ratings conundrum by simply creating a controversy.  But is the boost in ratings worth the tarnished image many now have of the Skate Canada Organization?

(Photo: Getty Images)

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Needless to say Aaron Harris is crazy about figure skating! He eats, drinks, and breathes the sport! You can check out more of Aaron's figure skating thoughts at his blog, Axels, Loops, and Spins

Unless otherwise stated, no particular sexual orientation of anyone depicted is implied or should be presumed.

Comments

[Robert]

I also wrote to Skate Canada when your first article came out and they assured me they were not looking to toughen up skating and that gays are a large viewship that they would never insult. So they back tracked right after your first article.

[Jason]

Skate Canada would not have this problem if they had an openly Gay skater in competition, like the US had Rudy Galindo. I think people are talking about this and people are angry, but do angry people buy tickets? Also their two top skaters suddenly left Skate Canada in August, yet the Olympics is in Canada only months away. Why would your World Gold Medalist and Canadian Silver Medalist leave in the same month, just before the Olympics was held in your country? That is the big question.

[Tom]

Instead of trying to "tough" up figure skating's image, perhaps they should "fag" up ice hockey's instead? Let's start with chapeaus instead of helmets.

[B. Robertson]

When are the people that make up these ridiculous committees going to understand that you can marry both athletic ability and artistry in figure skating and stop letting their own blinkered prejudices and FEARS from oppressing great artists and athletes alike, figureheads of this sport, one of the only sports of which I am a true fan.
This is blatant bigotry dressed up as strategy, yet another example of the inbuilt hatred some people just seem to have engrained in them against anything that doesn't seem to fit their limited ideas of what is "normal" behaviour for a man (or a woman).

For their information some of the most artistic, gentle, sensitive people on the planet are MEN, have been, always will be, just look at the great artists, playwrights, poets etc.. of this past century and beyond for proof.
Disgusting attitude, it just shows them up to be all idiots really.

[MarcyD]

I am sadden to see that this homophobia, from a Canadian sports federation, has been ignored by the Canadian Gay Media.

There is nothing on the EGALE Canada site, nor published by XTRA. Usually when any American news show says anything about Canada, it is front page news there. I know freedom of the Press is not the catch phrase of Canadian journalism, like it is in the USA, but this is Soviet Era censorship?

How does Skate Canada have the power to keep all the Canadian news organizations, so quiet about this?

[Todd]

I don't understand why gays don't really embrace manculinity. You can be gay and be a man. So what if they man the sport up some...we should be more than okay with that considering we are men.

When I hear them wanting to promote more manly skaters, I don't think of it as anti-gay....GAYS ARE MEN. I think we want to associate with being womanly or soft-spoken way too much. We tend to betray our gender because we are attracted to our sex. It boggles my mind...don't understand it at all.

If someway talks of masculinity, I generally relate to it. When someone talks of drag queens, being overly emotional, or womanly, I don't relate. They want to "man" the sport up, good...I like men. We should like to be associated with power and strength...it's not a bad thing. Just because we like our own sex doesn't mean we should not like BEING that sex.

This is just another part of gay culture I don't understand...it seems that we think we are woman sometimes.

[Lance Burchett]

Yeah, the guy in the photo is such a bottom. The gay community is made up of all types, let's not continue the stereotype by focusing on feminine gays...

[Lance Burchett]

Yuck, just looked at that picture again... Being gay doesn't mean you're a woman in a man's body...

[MKEMark]

I think Figure Skating is the same sport whether men or women participate. It's basically dance...get used to it. I don't hear Skate Canada criticizing women's figure skating as having too many "excessively masculine" participants. Why is that? Could it be that they think masculinity is better than femininity? Also: If you think female figure skaters don't sweat, you may need to watch in HD.

[KennyD]

Good for Canada.

They should be able to promote and ban whomever they want. Maybe it'll send a different message to those in the "gay community" who associate gay with being feminine. It's something that has absolutely boggled my mind as to what is going on in a "fem's" head that gay means girly. I wish there was a complete overhaul of the the gay image; however it would only be legit if it occurred from within. Think about this for a minute: Gays want to be accepted in mainstream society, which is fine. Let's look at how ostracized groups have become accepted in the past: 1) assimilation: By-in-large (there are certainly exceptions) whenever a new group has immigrated, for example, in mass to America they were mostly met with dislike because of their unfamiliarity. Greeks, eastern Europeans, Italians, etc. While small pockets of these neighborhoods where people speak the language of their ancestors they have largely become woven into the fabric of society by assimilation and NOT by trying to force others to like them. There are even immigrants from south of the border who speak English as their primary language. So gay people (as a whole) should act and speak like other Americans (where boys act/talk like boys and girls act/talk like girls). Certainly there are those of us who are gay and the rest of the world would find difficulty in figuring it out and while the masculine and more traditional of us may be the silent majority it's the flaming sissies that make the headlines a vast majority of the time when prancing around in fairy wings in pride parades and idolizing every female pop singer that becomes the latest fad (and wants to be just like HER). The latter is the image that get's associated with GAY and it sucks frankly. I have to worry about people at work finding out I'm gay and even some friends because I know that until they get to know me for everything other than being gay they would slap me with the logo stereotype. I don't need or want that, so good for Canada for having the testicular fortitude to say "You want to skate with us, then act like a man. The feminine aspects of skating are already covered...by the women"

[Dave]

I agree with Todd's post; however, isn't part of being a man having no fear, and being who you want to be regardless of what people think?

If a man feels comfortable in his skin - effeminine or not - and loves what he's doing, then that's power to him. That would be masculinity.

[alan brickman]

I would watch more skating if a few of the skaters were a little more masc and buff......we all would...don't lie!!..

[Impatient]

Hey bud, got news for you GAY MEN ARE MEN. And I like men. So do other Gay men. So as far as I'm concerned we can sh#t can the "girl" acts and get comfortable with our "Masculine" side. I'm sick of Gay being code for weak and feminine. Let"s see some Gay men kickin ass!

[freddy reed]

hi as a gay man i hate femmmy guys skate canada choice the right chioce right on

[tomriddlesmate]

I'm all for femming up Ice Hockey. let's have balance and be objective. This strategy of appealing to the more casual viewers must be sound and I'm sure works both ways. Imagine some of those Hockey studs in G-Strings. Make sure to give them tips on manscaping too. WOOF!

[skater guy]

I have been involved as a skater and a high level coach for a good part of my life. Unfortunately our sport is cynical and deeply elitist. With viewership and registration both receding perhaps this sport is finally reaping what they have sown and more than deservedly so. I do have a deep passion for skating but the Powers That Be promote the unfortunate attitude that so effectively alienates the general public by treating them as under educated buffoons who are not even worthy of leveling a valid opinion. Make no mistake this is not a "gay issue", we are just the easiest target that they hope will not fight back. Lord knows the sissys traditionally just lay down and take their licks so that the general public can feel appeased by the "PTBs". They are hoping that a little fag flogging will endear them to the public as opposed to taking responsibility for the fact that they alone have always promoted the elitist and exclusionary stand of skating in this country. I wonder if the "PTBs" are feeling that the "unwashed's" opinions actually count now that they are lacking the revenue associated with them. It is a conundrum. Perhaps they should start promoting "during program spitting". I know I would tune in to see that.

[Craig W]

Oh, Elvis Stojko says this every few years it seems. He has a completely exaggerated idea of his own legacy in figure skating based primarily on how he was a macho, dirt bike-riding, mullet-wearing, rrrreal man on the ice in sharp contrast to those sissy pansies. He still thinks he deserved the 1994 Olympic gold medal just because he can't believe he lost to the froofy balletic likes of Alexei Urmanov. Kurt Browning and Scott Hamilton back him on this, as they've always wanted to make sure that they're the leaders of the Boys Club that should run skating and make sure that the homos don't come too far into the forefront but that if they do they should be tasteful and closeted about it like Brian Boitano.

Every so often the differences between figure skating and other sports gets brought up with the idea that if skating can ditch some of it's qualities of questionable sportive value then fans of other sports will like it more. I highly doubt it. People who think skating is a joke aren't going to suddenly like it if the skaters skate in jerseys instead of costumes. I don't think our sport should sell itself out in desperation to get football and hockey fans to pay five minutes of attention to it. And the skating establishment has only itself to blame for the downward spiral in North American fan followings.

[Expatriot]

I'm Canadian and I 100% the "man-up" policy. This policy should apply to all gays everywhere! It's okay to be gay, but at least be a real man. If I wanted to date a femme, I'd be straight.

[EJS]

I am really upset how the femme gays make being gay equal to being femme. That is actually the exact opposite. I am a guy that likes other guys, that is what being gay is. Otherwise there is some sort of girl trapped in a man's body that likes guys complex going on

[MK]

This really pisses me off. "man up" figure skating? This is a real slap-in-the-face to gays everywhere and a not so thinly disguised homophobic attitude Skate Canada has.

[put it on a t shirt]

good comments, Craig W.

As a male ice skating enthusiast, I can tell you that I enjoy what artistry and atheticism each skater can bring to the ice in his five minutes. Give me Weir, give me Lysacek. I want to see what each contestant can bring to the ice and let me decide for myself what I liked that day.

More importantly, I want the field open so that the next generation of skaters can bring to the ice their interpretation. To that end, this "man up" logic is flawed.

Ice skating is like candy. Sometimes you feel like a nut; sometimes you don't

[Daniel]

To everyone who believe that femmes should "man up:"

You all express your sexual orientation because of how you feel. The only decision you made was to go with your feelings. This is the same for everyone- including those who seem more feminine than masculine. It takes a very simplistic view of life to think that because you're a man you should reject any form of femininity in yourself. How far are you willing to go? Ex-gay organizations believe only women should sleep with men. Either we accept femmes as they are or we open an argument that condemns ourselves. It doesn't boggle my mind that you think that just because global mainstream society tends to value displays of masculinity in men more than femininity its "right" and "better" to do the same. You're sheeple.

[twistedtongues]

In my personal opinion, you can 'man up' figure skating all you want. It doesn't change the fact that figure skating is a girly-gay sport. When I think of a 'man', a figure skater is the last thing I think of. If I wanted a man that wears ice skates, I'd go after a hockey player, for at least I know there is a chance he can fight :o)

And Daniel, I totally understand what you're saying, but unfortunately it's a fact of life all communities have to deal with. You can thank socialization and millions of years of evolution for that. However, I think it goes back to a more basic need than that - it goes back to the need to find a comparable mate who compliments us and fulfills those needs. Mates are chosen by several factors; sense of security, masculinity/femininity, intelligence, etc. I, for one, wouldn't be caught dead with a feminine man because I don't think he could fulfill any or all of those needs. There is a whole social psychology behind what you say and behind what I'm saying, and there is a plethora of research on it. I don't think people are sheeple for that, they're just being human.

[Ryan]

So Skate Canada says it wants to butch up their sport and that's an automatic slam on the gay community? Maybe the gay community needs to examine what it is and what it wants to be. If y'all wanna be a bunch of fairies running around getting upset at ice skating federations, go ahead.

I'll go watch the game.

[Mike]

What is at stake is the sport's balance between athleticism and artistry. In the past year or two, scoring rules have changed; now you see skaters trying to jam in as many moves as possible in order to amass points. The scale is currently overloaded in favor of athleticism over artistry. My suggestion is to scrap both the short and long programs and instead have skaters perform both an artistic and an athletic program. Frankly, I fear that we will lose the artistry of future Peggy Flemings and Johnny Weirs.

[Richard]

I cant believe the idiotic comments from both sides of the gay-straight fence. It's my opinion that homophobia has worked it's way into politics on far too many levels. This latest incarnation disgusts me. Figure skating as we know it would not Be if it were not for the influence of the very people now being targeted as not good for the image of the sport. Remember John Curry, Toller Cranston, the Brians, but especially Toller. Lets get real here, figure skating is an artistic sport. The progression to the ultra athletic version of the sport we now see is just that. A progression in the sport. But, it is my opinion that first and foremost it's an artistic sport first, and by that I mean presentational, combined with athletic achievement. As far as an audience is concerned,we fall into two general categories. 1. those who know and love the sport and can distinguish between a loop jump and a lutz, double or triple, under rotated or complete etc.. 2. those who love the sport and watch it for the beauty and emotional connection they feel. "Sports Fans"--- are unlikely to even perceive a "man up" change in demeanor.
I am a Canadian and I've always been proud of our governing body for figure skating but this last policy makes me ashamed of them. Lets hope that conscience will override this hurtful and discriminatory idea.

[Michael Dupre]

As a former figure skater of some 25 years, I remember as a young skater dealing with criticism and pressure from all sides to play down my artistic side because it was considered "too graceful." Back in those days there was far more emphasis on the technical aspects of freestyle skating (compulsory figures in addition to short and long programs). It was an understood belief that men in figure skating should not appear too artistic lest they be labeled "gay" which was career suicide. It was refreshing to see other skaters(some gay, some not) break through that mold and become known for their artistry, starting with John Curry, Robin Cousins, Paul Wylie and continuing to this present day with skaters like Johnny Weir. Figure skating has and always will be a mixture of both sport and art--and that's what makes it such a unique sport and appealing to all types of people. I think the best philosophy to follow as a skater is "be yourself--whatever and however that may be," and as a spectator, "it takes all types to make the sport interesting and enjoyable."

[silverfoxnva]

Hey if the guys look like girls then yes toughen them up they don't have to look girlie if they do then compete with girls. Gay is not the issue be guys guys!!!!! And yes i'm gay.

[ROCKWOOD]

Uhhhh, we're not talking hockey here.

These men, and women, are athletes. They train countless hours to perfect their movements. They have muscles in places that most of us don't even know about.

The skaters outfit also plays in the judges decisions. Don't say it doesn't.

There is a coorelation between figure skating and dance. Tell me that many dancers aren't just a bit on the fem side.

Now when a man comes out in an obviously female costume, then is the time to worry.

I think it's more important to concentrate on the movements and the skaters ability to execute them.

That's all I have to say about that.....

[Loky]

I don't watch many sports including figure skating. But... Looking at the picture posted with this article ... Is that a guy or a girl? If it's a guy... and im hard pressed to think that the person is... then yeah, Butch up Figure Skating! You can be gay and masculine too!

[KennyD]

"This really pisses me off. "man up" figure skating? This is a real slap-in-the-face to gays everywhere and a not so thinly disguised homophobic attitude Skate Canada has."

Not a slap-in-the-face to me. :-) I agree!

What is a slap-in-the-face to me, is dodging the stereotypes the femmes, nelly queens, leather, bug chasers generate and are subsequently hurled my way. By no means is this a complete blanket statement, but a very large percentage of the gays IN THE PUBLIC EYE project a downright negative image. An image of selfishness, disregard for other people's way-of-life, disrespect for more traditional/conservative views and an intolerance for the intolerant (a paradox if there ever was one).

The HRC and LGBT lusts for the Obamatonic (coined that just now) society that is "fair", that is passive, that is sympathetic, a society where the minority need to be given a megaphone and the majority are locked behind sound-proof doors. Social Darwinism in reverse, where people are forced to swallow a pill of social acceptance. A supposed land of the free where the freedom to dislike or even hate someone for the reason of their choosing is punished and lambasted as much as any physically harmful actions based on such feelings. At what point will an opinion become a crime?

[KennyD]

When I mention leather I should clarify that those liking leather generally create no negative stereotype. I mention this as I'm reminded of a pride parade my ex attended (I wouldn't be caught alive at one of those things) where the local leather club/bar entered a float where a man was in a sling. A complete and total embarrassment to me (even though I wasn't there) and I'm sure to many people who were there. Liking leather is fine. Keep it behind closed doors. No need to share the kind of debauchery that was presented on a parade float with the public.

[Stuart]

Man it up? Absolutely. Let's get two men out on the ice performing together. That will man it up for you.

[Ray]

Lose gay fans for "manning up"? Heck no. Put a hot man in tights and then on SKATES, too? If anything, they'll pick up a TON of gay fans, and a few closetcases, too!

[scott]

I dont believe they are trying to be anti gay, they never said they didnt want gay skaters, who are open, flamboyant or otherwise, because as homophobic as some people may be i doubt that skate canada doesnt realize what the majority of fan and talent base are comprised of for figure skating. They were just trying to do a PR thing and focus on different aspects. Like that it does take strength and focus, and is no less of a "masculine" sport. its all in how you spin it.

[Derek]

Wow, I am shocked at the comments in general about the community. Everyone is different and that is what makes the entire world interesting. I am not queeny, it's just not in my nature, but some guys are more effiminate, what is wrong with that. Ice skating does tend to be linked with feminity and maybe young gay athletes are attracted to the sport because they can still feel free to be themselves. It is an individual sport as well, meaning they do not have to worry about taunts from teammates. They can rely on themselves alone. I think many of us, if we really think about it, felt that way about our own lives from an early age. As far as the skating goes, I feel like it has always been a very difficult sport to watch because so often the rules and scoring seem so random. On the women's side, I feel like if they took some of the physical requirements out it would be much more appealing. On the men's side, well, I kind of feel the same way. Let each skater interpret the music period. I would rather see beautiful, cleanly skated programs that had some perfectly timed and executed jumps than one where the skaters are sliding all ove the ice on their asses only to get up and try to make up for the fall by throwing in another quadruple lutz. That is not entertaining.

[brandon]

The perception I see is that men love rough sports and that any thing where you are not going to get bruised or injured or make a field goal or take a hit for the team is going to be looked on like a feminine sport. That is just how it is. Our society really instills in us what is a masculine role and what is feminine. Look at Asian culture where the men do things we consider feminine but to them it is not. Our society.

I believe our society's definition of Masculine and what it takes to make a man is sicking and we need to rethink our beliefs.

[swim_r]

I wanna know who's in that pic above... he's pretty hot! :D

[That Blue Jeans Guy]

While I do not speak for the US Figure Skating Association, I can guess why Brandon Mroz and not Johnny Weir was chosen for the World Team: he is inconsistent, unreliable, and why would they waste their time with a guy who nearly slept through his last Olympic competition? Fem or butch, they want this team to win, and Johnny is an albatross on the team's neck.

[orlandojoe]

I'm a gay man who is not attracted to feminine men at all. I don't wear feminine clothes and have no desire to do so ever. But all of this is beside the point. The issue here is about tolerance.

How can gay people ask for tolerance and be intolerant ourselves? Figure skating is ballet on ice. What genious out there thought up the idea to "man up" ballet. How stupid! So some of these guys want to wear flashy dance/ballet costumes. BFD!!
It's ballet for fux sake!!

While they're at it maybe these Einsteins can start an effort to "man up" broadway musicals.

Personally, I'd rather go see a football game.

If I expect tolerance from others, then I must be tolerant of others myself even if I think their costume looks ridiculous. All that matters is can they perform and win. The "man up" police is a very bad idea for anybody, anywhere.

[JOHN]

Femme guys give gays a bad name. I can't come out as gay because other people will think I am girly. Femme guys make me uncomfortable.

Since when has whining become a masculine trait?

Since when has worrying about what other people think become a masculine trait?

Man up, and Shut up!

[Mike P]

It amazes me that the guys that are saying they agree with
Skate Canada and that they HATE Feminine gays ARE NOT the ones watching skating anyway. I also agree with the guys who are fans of skating who say the real problem with skating is not feminine skaters (ironically it was very popular when Rudy Galindo skated) causing fans to turn away from ice skating but the fact that skating has become a sport of jumps. The skaters have become so focused on quads and the true artistry that makes the jumps flow seamlessly with the skating is being lost and true fans NOTICE. Stop worrying about the how gay/straight ice skating is and focus on making it entertaining again and then the audience will grow again. JMHO

[KennyD]

"I believe our society's definition of Masculine and what it takes to make a man is sicking and we need to rethink our beliefs."

Wow, what a profound statement. We think that feminine men are sick and that those few should conform to the rest of American society and you think the polar opposite...you think that American society is sick and that the majority should conform to the minority. To embrace the minorities by becoming one of them. In the words of Mr. Spock "that is illogical."

Furthermore, it sounds as if American culture isn't good enough for some and we should be more like socialist Europe and communist Asia. A big ole FUCK THAT! Why is it that some people think we should conform to other countries? I bet these same people gave Obama a standing ovation with his bowing to the Saudi king. While we're at it; how bout we conform to a more obscure culture and be act like those in Darfur or the local tribes in South America. I wish we could go back to the way things were back in the 1800s...seriously.

[Mike]

FYI, the skater in the photo is Johnny Weir and it's obvious why his photo was chosen for this article. Weir is my favorite skater and I think he's sex on skates. He carries on the artistic tradition of Toller Cranston, which unfortunately is under such attack.

[Roger]

I am here in Toronto, right in the heart of the so called 'gay village' and I have not read or heard anything about this attempt by Skate Canada to "man up" figure skating. This means to me that either; 1. the story is so off that it is not being reported here, 2. I missed something or 3. there is self-censorship afoot. I have always veiwed figure skating as a more 'feminine' sport as opposed to hockey which I have always viewed as a more 'masculine' sport. Males and females participate in both sports. I don't see anything wrong with the 'feminine' aspects of figure skating and, if, Skate Canada is attempting to testosterone up figure skating its wrong and even anti-feminine. There is nothing wrong with being 'feminine' (so to speak) no matter what your sex is. Figure skating requires alot of strength, skill and physical fitness that is totally outside of masculine or feminine if you ask me. I agree that it is laughable to try to lure hockey fans to figure skating. That is like trying to lure action movie fans to ballet. Of course many people have various divergent interests but generally "it ain't gonna work". I, personally, don't follow either sport.

[oldkingtroll]

What a dumb ass debate.

Skating - like gymnastics - combines technique with making it look easy (i.e., artistry). A quad jump, no matter what you are wearing, is technique.

At his best, Stojko landed the jumps, but he never made it look easy in comparison to others.

One way of making it look easy may be femme; another may be masculine. Who cares?

[David]

SCREW the Canadian governing body that is endorsing THIS homophobic stance! ALL that matters in figure skating is the creativitiy, technical ability, and professionalism of a MALE skater....NOT his sexual orientation! DAMN, this sounds like something the BUSH Adminsitration would have done. I sincerely hope EGALE CANADA can and WILL stop this bullshit!

[Richard Litzenberger]

I'm gay but I prefer to see the men in manly costumes rather than the frilly costumes they have been wearing recently. Lacy blouses and gloves? Come on.

[orlandojoe]

Part of this story is about Skate Canada looking to improve TV ratings. TV ratings for figure skating has been declining ever since the scoring system was changed. It was a very simple system that could be explained in just 2 minutes and viewers knew who it worked (or didn't) but could follow it and cheer and complain about the scores.

6.0 was a perfect score and there were 8 or so judges from various countries and you could see how each judge scored each skater. A skater began with a 6.0 and deductions were made for errors/falls. The top and bottom judges scores were tossed out and the remaining judges scores were the result. Very easy to follow even with it's flaws.

The new system is so complicated that it is hard to follow and now you have no way of knowing how the various judges scored each skater.

In short, it's not as compelling as before and difficult to follow. The new scoring system is partly to blame for falling TV ratings.

[sk8luvr]

First, the biggest problem with skating's sagging ratings is the "overhaul" of the judging system, which has ruined skating. Most programs are alike, and judges still cheat. People aren't watching women's skating anymore either. Is that also the fault of effeminate male skaters? This is all about effemiphobia, which is deeply sexist in nature. Acting like a man is good (girls who are tomboys are encouraged), acting like a woman is not (boys who are "sissies" are ostracized). Look, there are gay men who run the gamut from very effeminate to very masculine. But we're all gay in the end. If I had a dollar for every gay man who THINKS he's macsuline but he's not, I'd be a very rich man. It's no surprise this is happening. And some of the worst prejudice against femme guys is in the gay community itself, and as I wrote above, often from guys who are NOT masculine but don't see it. Femme guys can be great athletes (e.g., Greg Lougainis). I'd like to see some self-proclaimed butch stud pull off a triple axel the way femme Johnny Weir can.