By Matt Underwood As I read the news about UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell saying he will home-school his son so he doesn’t “end up turning gay,” I couldn’t help but be taken aback by the sheer ignorance and bigotry displayed in his statements. The fact that a grown man in one of the most physically demanding and, ironically, homoerotic professions possible is terrified of his son being gay is both laughable and deeply concerning.
Mitchell’s comments reflect a profound lack of understanding about sexuality and gender identity. The idea that being gay is a choice, something that can be prevented through homeschooling or other means, is not only false but harmful. Sexual orientation is not something that can be controlled or influenced by external factors such as education or upbringing. It is a fundamental aspect of who a person is, and attempting to suppress or change it only leads to pain and internal conflict.
The underlying fear and hatred towards the LGBTQ+ community in Mitchell’s words are palpable. The idea that being gay is equated with being a communist, worshiping Satan, or somehow being morally inferior is not only absurd but dangerous. Such rhetoric perpetuates harmful stereotypes and contributes to the marginalization and discrimination that LGBTQ+ individuals face on a daily basis.
It is also worth noting the irony of Mitchell’s position as a UFC fighter making such statements. The hyper-masculine world of mixed martial arts, with its emphasis on physical prowess and combat skills, is not immune to homoerotic undertones. The close proximity, physical contact, and intimacy involved in the sport can be seen as inherently queer, yet Mitchell seems blind to this fact.
Furthermore, the correlation Mitchell draws between homeschooling and preventing his son from being gay is unfounded and frankly absurd. The experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals who were homeschooled suggest that, if anything, such isolation can lead to a delayed or repressed exploration of their identity. In my view, homeschooling should be about providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow, not a means of enforcing outdated and harmful beliefs about sexuality.
In conclusion, Mitchell’s misguided and discriminatory views on homosexuality are a sad reflection of the ignorance and prejudice that still exist in our society. It is my hope that his son will be able to grow up in an environment that celebrates diversity, acceptance, and love, regardless of his sexual orientation. The path to true acceptance and understanding begins with challenging harmful stereotypes and embracing the richness of human diversity. Let us not allow fear and ignorance to dictate how we raise and educate our children. Love is love, and that is something worth celebrating and protecting. The voice of fear and ignorance often echoes loudly in our society, as exemplified by the recent comments made by UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell about homeschooling his son to prevent him from being gay. Mitchell’s statements not only showcase a profound misunderstanding of sexuality but also highlight the deeply ingrained bigotry and prejudice that still exist in our world today.
The idea that being gay is a choice, or that it can somehow be prevented through homeschooling, is not only false but harmful. Sexual orientation is an intrinsic part of who we are, and attempts to suppress or change it only lead to pain and confusion. Mitchell’s fear of his son being gay speaks volumes about the toxic masculinity and homophobia that are unfortunately still prevalent in many circles.
What strikes me the most about Mitchell’s comments is the irony of a UFC fighter, someone who engages in a sport with homoerotic undertones, expressing such hatred towards the LGBTQ+ community. The close physical contact and intimacy involved in mixed martial arts seem to be overlooked by Mitchell, who instead chooses to project his own fears and insecurities onto his son.
The link that Mitchell draws between homeschooling and preventing his son from being gay is not only unfounded but misguided. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that homeschooling does not influence sexual orientation. In fact, the isolation and lack of exposure to diverse perspectives that can sometimes accompany homeschooling might hinder a child’s ability to understand and embrace their identity fully.
In the face of Mitchell’s discriminatory views, it is imperative that we stand up against ignorance and bigotry. Creating a safe and inclusive environment for all children, regardless of their sexual orientation, should be our priority. Love and acceptance are the cornerstones of a healthy society, and it is essential that we work towards fostering a culture that celebrates diversity in all its forms.
In essence, Mitchell’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to combat prejudice and discrimination. Let us not allow fear and ignorance to dictate how we raise our children or view the world around us. Instead, let us strive to create a more compassionate and understanding society, where every individual is free to be their authentic selves without fear of judgment or condemnation.