Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), is 'horrified' at comments made by Ladies Professional Golf Association (LGPA) player Jan Stephenson asserting that Asian and lesbian players hurt women's golf.
In the November issue of Golf Magazine, Stephenson said 'the Asians are killing our tour,' and 'society is more open now about gay relationships, but it does hurt the tour. It hurts with sponsors. But if you had two gorgeous girls who were gay, I don't think that would hurt.' Although she has apologized to the Asian community for her racist comments, she has yet to apologize to the many GLBT people and their families who were offended and demeaned by her words.
Stephenson is a 51-year-old professional golfer who was recognized during the LPGA's 50th Anniversary in 2000 as one of the organization's top 50 players and teachers. She is also well known for believing that women should use sex appeal to market their sport.
'This is demeaning to all GLBT people, especially to athletes and their families. These people have spent years of training and their families have made many sacrifices so that their children could become some of the highest ranked golfers in the world. That they should be singled out and ridiculed for their sexual orientation is disgusting,' said David Tseng, Executive Director of PFLAG. 'Stephenson was good enough to make a sincere apology to the Asian community for her derisive comments. We are waiting for her to extend the same courtesy to the many GLBT people who were hurt by her words.'