UK Rugby Player Ben Cohen Gives Shirt Off His Back For LGTB
Ben Cohen auctions his shirt at a UK fundraiser.
English rugby star Ben Cohen has auctioned the shirt off his back to fight homophobia, as he kicked off fundraising to support The Ben Cohen Acceptance Tour, a U.S. tour to combat homophobia starting in May. The hunky, six-foot-two star of the Sale Sharks is hosting two April meet-and-greet events titled Beer with Benin the UK.
At he first event this weekend, the evening started with filming and singing with the Village Spartans Rugby Club in Canal Street and then moved into Taurus. The hilarious Jonathan Mayor emceed the event. Cohen was able to answer questions about his tour and his message of tolerance and acceptance.
During the event, Cohen auctioned his gray-colored, short-sleeved t-shirt that read “I stand up with Ben Cohen UK tour” right off his back for 200 English pounds.
For some years now, Cohen has been supporting his gay followers on matters of equality, acceptance of diversity and mutual respect.
He is now stepping up his involvement in both the UK and the USA with The Acceptance Tour 2011.
The Acceptance Tour 2011 is supporting the activities of GLSEN based in the USA.
The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
Cohen is passionate about these issues and is compelled to take action. He will be teaming up with gay and gay-friendly Rugby Clubs in the UK and USA, and heading a variety of events raising money and awareness.
“I believe that every person on this planet has a right to be true to themselves, to love and be loved and to be happy,” he says. “That’s what we all want. I am in a privileged position to be able to spread some important messages across the globe – and that’s exactly what I am going to do.”
The Acceptance Tour is visiting Atlanta, New York, Washington and Seattle in May and will be raising awareness and funds, standing up against homophobia and bullying and standing up for equality, tolerance and mutual respect. Sorry guys, no San Diego visits.
Cohen became a sex symbol among many gay fans with his 2010 calendar that offered him in shirtless and sometimes wet poses in a lockerroom and a spread in Attitude. Last year, Cohen donated a signed jockstrap to support a UK-based gay non-profit. His 2011 calendar didn’t hurt his standing among gay fans, either.
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