Brian Anderson on Being a Gay Professional Skateboarder

[@hantz]

It's not who you grind, but what you grind

[@TheSLICEonU]

LMAO

[@TIGERGUTS]

Im using that! Very good!

[@RVCAdrew]

Joe Caine fucking progressive comment right there.

[@geronimo546]

Are you refering to grind a big fat ass nug and smoke the fuck out of it, am i right?

[@Philosufur]

drugs are bad. mmmmkay

[@justahusk8151]

I think the statement "I'm a skateboarder first and gay second, you know?" really shows how different it can be when your sexuality is not "the norm". I don't even know how far down the list I would get before I felt the need to rank "heterosexual" while describing myself. It just shows that heterosexuality is taken for granted. This video is great beause it tackles some prejudice that a lot of people (even those who support gay people openly) might have. Like the people telling us they were shocked because he's a big macho dude, and not feminine. That's honest, but it also shows how widespread the idea about a gay guy being a certain kind of person.

[@GaelissFelin]

Justahusk that's exactly it. it's good to know there are straight folks out there that get it. thanks for leaving this comment

[@jhowardsupporter]

can you remove the word feminine from there. disgrace to women.

[@yooooodennis]

@@jhowardsupporter FO

[@yourboy9236]

@@jhowardsupporter Not a disgrace to women. Women aren't inherently feminine and that's ok. Gay men aren't inherently feminine and that's ok. I don't know what argument you're trying to make here

[@justahusk8151]

@@GaelissFelin That's a very nice response. Thank you!

[@justinkassel4000]

I was a platoon sergeant in the marines when “don’t ask don’t tell” was repealed and marines were allowed to openly come out as being gay. We all thought it was going to be a huge fucking problem. I had two marines specifically who came to me first and told me they wanted to come out to the guys and not live in secret any more. I was scared that they would get pushed away, ostracized, assaulted, or whatever. But it was the opposite. Nobody gave a shit. It just gave us a few more jokes to use while we insulted each other every day like brothers do. There was two guys who couldn’t accept them and were asshole bigots about it. And the platoon of 80 marines decided to ostracize THOSE assholes instead. It was awesome.

[@bvilledrummer14]

Respect!

[@aa-cx8nc]

=)

[@staylucky4727]

Awesome

[@corkyvanderhaven3391]

So radd Such a good story

[@helgevig5134]

My brain is currently flooded with those happiness hormones or whatever it is, from your and BA's story ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[@arthillis315]

My favorite thing about skateboarding is that we judge each other on talent not race or sexuality. Brian gots talent.

[@brendalg4]

They might not judge about sexuality, but they judge about other stuff. Better not push mongo. Better not ride a scooter. Better not mall grab. Better be able to do tricks or you're not welcome in a skatepark. Longboarders aren't skaters. I could go on and on

[@brendalg4]

@@joshcastro739 you are part of the problem then. That's called being judgmental. I have seen just as many skaters be snakes. If you watch old videos, you will see half of the people skating mongo. That's because nobody has told them yet they weren't supposed to. I feel it is the same as making fun of someone who is left-handed. There is nothing wrong with any of those things I mentioned.

[@brendalg4]

@Makayla Awesome I am sure there are some skaters who would help beginners. I haven't found them. I even helped someone to film KZbin videos thinking that maybe he would help me learn to skateboard. He wouldn't even introduce me to his friends!

[@MiniMight]

Skating used to be a really homophobic scene. It used to be synonymous with punk after all

[@yourboy9236]

@@brendalg4 from what skating KZbin will tell ya that's all true. But I haven't experienced a single bit of that. Everyone in my towns park popped off for this 14 year old kid who hit a fat tailwhip coming out of the bowl.

[@773stayhichi6]

I found out i was gay when i went on grindr thinking it was a skateboard ap

[@Snake-od6ok]

Hahahahaha

[@man.6618]

@Do what you must, I have already won aw man i wish 😔

[@BornAHawkEye]

I don't think you understand how good this is!! 😆😂🤣

[@staylucky4727]

😂😂😂😂

[@xavierfournier1720]

Lol

[@DoggoWillink]

I honestly have never liked bonelesses, and maybe even hated them, but Brian Anderson bonelessing into a smith on a handrail was cool as shit somehow.

[@Glashome]

He did the same for varial flips a decade before

[@miniaturelabyrinth7765]

When he started talking about the cops I laughed my ass off. Seriously this dude is really loveable.

[@mastersoftoday]

they describe him in the intro as this tough scary dude and then he starts talking and it just puts a smile on my face

[@beepot2764]

"I don't want my life to be defined by my sexual preference." 100 percent yes.

[@dylanandrews3763]

bee pot Well it is.

[@beepot2764]

Lol I don't know about you Dylan but I have a very comfortable job where I am openly out with my lifestyle. Have my own home with my wife. I am fortunate that my life has not been defined by my sexuality. I love myself and my life 👍 Thanks again for your opinion, hopefully I don't confuse you so badly with this comment.

[@BananaGeekLord]

Yeah, I was really happy to hear him say that. I'm gay, it I also grew up around skateboarding. I started listening to punk. Later on picked up metal. For the most part, people are pretty chill about it. I've been wanting to make a metal album or something. Do something with music. But at the same time, metal isn't exactly what most people pair up with gay guys, and I've always thought about how I don't want my music to be strictly known as the metal project by that gay guy. I don't want my sexuality to be the only reason someone is willing to listen to it. If it comes up as a little factoid, great. If I did become big, and someone in the scene who was LGBT looked up to me, that's awesome. I just wouldn't want it to be the only thing about me.

[@ianturnbow7011]

Dylan Andrews Cool it with the slurs, Dylan.

[@el_principe3611]

Well, now it is.

[@jarkerrison874]

Kicks wood in the streets, takes wood in the sheets.

[@HD9S]

That's the funniest thing I've heard all day 😂

[@robmorgan9232]

Fuckin' hilarious!

[@chrismanuel8993]

i really wish i could react on this hahahaha

[@wadekarma317]

XD

[@corpsefamily]

thots must be salty like the fuck

[@jaded777777]

regardless of BA being gay, riding for Nike, or anything else can we all take a moment to ask What the fuck happened to Reda. He's not fat and greasy anymore. wtf

[@xxpr1m1tiv3xx]

Paul Ell they cloned him just like Gucci👌🏻

[@Garf2O]

ikr, the berrics made clones of him, fucking scientogly

[@t3t0131]

he's still fat and greasy he's just got a beard

[@-_-Code-_-]

who did it... WHO did it?? who was it??! who did it .. who did it?! reda is the man... oh and it was harold.

[@Garf2O]

RC Codes fucking mystery wata!

[@tarlung120]

As a skater who is gay who also happens to be named brian, i can infact say, he inspires me

[@sarcasticdragon8673]

Because you have the same name?

[@islahrobo6666]

Hmu

[@82PeRK]

STHUPER

[@MM-ey3wu]

Is it hard to skate with a torn asshole?

[@yungwitch9325]

Mike Mcintosh LOL

[@MediocreTCG]

This dude subconsciously cured homophobia in the skate scene by being so bad ass, that when he came out, everyone was just "ight cool".

[@moonmadness9465]

No one would have cared is he sucked shit either.

[@samb8860]

rodknock

[@bucketstuck7137]

*Inadvertently

[@lucasflow3rs]

Its like you didnt watch the video lol

[@lskatepopwar5596]

Jerry Hsu is scrolling through these comments and seeing if anyone is talking about him.

[@OscarOffTheCuff]

lSkatePopwar this is sick

[@internetvide0]

I posted something because I am pretty sure he is gay but people say he is married.

[@ariellalocalwaves]

ahahhahahahahhaha

[@ariellalocalwaves]

hahahah

[@AssassinZWeeeedZ]

lSkatePopwar and Eric Liston, Louie Barletta, caswell berry haha

[@allstar930]

Homeboy has mad style. All his fits are timeless.

[@NTEDOG561]

c_r_hansen maybe the way he dresses

[@Minecraftdemon99]

You don't spend that long in the closet not find some good fits

[@gorehammer42o]

Love the safety pin in the flannel pocket.

[@BreakThrough51]

Of course the gsy skater had the dopest fits

[@Cherry-ce7im]

Dude is better at skating than I am at breathing

[@christopherbarber5283]

Yeah but dude, aren’t you a chair?

[@AppLe-in7zf]

But is he better than you at being gay?

[@man.6618]

@@AppLe-in7zf i beat him there at least

[@Spaxcore]

Yeah but you got asthma bro

[@user-re7po]

That’s because you’re a chair

[@staylucky4727]

As a fellow gay skater, Thank You Brian Anderson for your courage to be who you are. I hid in the closet for 27 years of my life before I came out.

[@GetOffMyLog]

May the rest of your time be shame free and prosperous!! Shine on man

[@GetOffMyLog]

@John Dunbar troll somewhere that people will actually bite. A good troll makes two groups argue with each other, you're just trying to make people fight you. Aka a bad troll

[@GetOffMyLog]

@John Dunbar oh I am. Just coming back to say reconsider your stance on gay conversion. If being gay was a choice why would anyone choose the persecution, i.e. what you're doing right now

[@GetOffMyLog]

@John Dunbar human stupidity is legendary. But I do not believe being gay falls anywhere near that category

[@GetOffMyLog]

@John Dunbar ever since I've been a kid I've had plenty of gay friends. I just get annoyed when I see the type of people that torment my beloved crew throughout the years. I'm not going to debate further but I sincerely hope you think into the issue and leave LGBT people to do their thing uninterrupted. I understand media coverage on these issues is unavoidable but that's simply because of the divide that this conversation shows. Gay people are threatening neither of our lifestyles and are simply trying to do their thing without having to make a fight for pride a part of their identity.

[@dabzvapelord]

i was not expected the comment section to be this supportive, fuck yeah!

[@scorpioninpink]

Honestly? Me too.

[@de132]

dabzvapelord Doesn't matter who you want to fuck, to be honest​

[@primetimepoolplastering]

dabzvapelord that's the skateboard community brotha

[@acetate909]

Same here. I thought I was going to scroll through a bunch of cancerous bigotry. If this was 1997 it would be a lot different. The community has come a long way. Good shit.

[@bassage13]

dabzvapelord Skateboarding has always been the outcast community. Skating has almost always celebrated different people. No surprise to me.

[@houbice3]

Biebel is like “ did you just start being gay” wtf Biebel 😂

[@kern111]

lmao

[@DARRENTINOnz]

It was because he never acted like a generic gay dude

[@DARRENTINOnz]

When I watched his parts back then I never would've thought

[@butterf1sh]

Bless biebel, he is a simple man and not the sharpest tool in the box.

[@carpios1986]

@@butterf1sh lmfao

[@mksp_]

It must be such a big relief for that kid from the bar.

[@DIRTY-MERLIN]

damn i lold

[@alexandersalz5850]

HAHAHHHAHAHA

[@alexandersalz5850]

true he never got over it XD

[@mylesgoldman9219]

This is dope, I really think that this opens a chapter in the history on skateboarding. White or black, gay or straight. It doesn't matter if you're good or not good either, its all about having fun. Takes a lot of balls to come out in an industry like this (no pun intended, I swear).

[@dylanandrews3763]

I'm afraid to spill the beans to you but yes it does. You do have to be good at skating. You do have to have good style to be considered a professional skateboarder.

[@dylanandrews3763]

Not everyone is cut out to be a skateboarder.

[@dylanandrews3763]

Same as a skateboarder you have to be willing to eat shit and take shit from people and society.

[@mwmann]

Dylan Andrews Who the fuck cares. It takes real actual balls to be in a firefight. Skateboarding is for weasels.

[@bassage13]

Mark Manning Awww. Little closet gay guy with a micropenis and no talent or athletic ability taking out his hatred of himself on others behind his keyboard. Don't worry, someday you will lose your virginity to the man of your dreams and you'll be happier.

[@kenwithaK]

that chick with the light purple hair is really beautiful

[@MrShenanigans28]

She looks like a feminist, Peta, vegan.

[@lilia46578]

@Gary E. Ko "I'm not homophobic but-" Should end in "I am".

[@fuckyshityfuckshit]

@Gary E. Ko Better sleep cheeks down boy... my Wednesday nights are free and I've got an itchin for some boi pussy

[@Erinski]

When you make an innocent comment on You Tube, and feel like you've accidentally crashed an Incels Anonymous meeting.

[@Zenguitarring]

This is a good vid. But Man, it really sucks how the gay community has to deal with that shame and insecurity not because their inherently insecure, but because our general society is actually insecure. Props to BA

[@sdm1568]

@therockkkkher Some women have cocks to suck on, so your point is irrelevant, you sad little troglodyte.

[@AuntAlnico4]

Hey, gay PEOPLE are always the most insecure.

[@bmc680]

G B shame? Are you fucking kidding me, majority of people don’t give a fuck what a person is doing behind closed doors. The whole lbgt community brings more negative attention to themselves by constantly crying about not being accepted. News flash no one gives a fuck, enough with the parades and marches etc etc go live your gay little lives now

[@bluBlaq33]

therockkkkher when I hit puberty and my sexual urges developed it was never for women, I was never molested, my father was always there for me, it basically came out of nowhere, do I know how much shame you have feeling some thing you can’t explain? And yeah women are beautiful but dude, I did not choose this, you think it feels good seeing comments like yours? You think it’s fun knowing people wanna actually harm you for being you?’! Who tf would choose that bullshit. And also for the record guys suck! Lmao if I could go for girls I would but I can’t, I may as well be paralyzed from the waste down, you seem to think gay men can like women and just don’t which is complete stupidity. Women DO NOTHING FOR ME. the fact that I have to write this at all fucking sucks. You fucking suck and having to deal with people like you is bullshit. Being gay IS NOT FUN, and if I could change I prob would but you know what I can’t! It’s fucking human natures you cruel arrogant dipshit.

[@bluBlaq33]

b mccullough because people kill us. Ppl take rights from us. Did u know pride was actually a fucking protest cause in the 60’s they would lock us up for exhibiting OUR OWN NATURE. We aren’t hurting anyone, we are consenting individuals. Do you honestly feel like your words are helping? Who’s fault is that we commit suicide in droves and have so many fucking issues. It sure as fuck isn’t ours dude it’s people like you in society who keep pushing out this less then intelligent bullshit knowing NOTHING about us. Sit down and talk to a gay guy for a few mins and make an effort to learn about how u hate someone without even knowing who they are dude. Chill with your fucking hatred.

[@JakeyPooG59]

Dude shreds who cares who he's bangin. Got my support 100%!

[@dylanandrews3763]

Jake Lewis Shutup Jake.

[@blackwater6146]

@Witchytoe cos it should be celebrated, 'who cares' is another way of saying 'lets not talk about it'

[@blackwater6146]

Dino velvet good luck in life creek sipper 😂

[@sinkincones8130]

Kyle Gritzan Oh wow not only are you a racist but your also homophobic. Dickhead of the highest order.

[@KermitTheAmphibian]

Takes Grindr to a whole second level 🤙🏻

[@skulleagletartat]

haha, I love how Brad Staba grew his beard out and wore flannel; dream on Staba, dream on...

[@チャーリーブラウン-w8l]

Charles Snyder If you only knew the inside story between these 2

[@internetvide0]

+kenny Wouldn't be suprised if Louie Barletta was the 3rd wheel.

[@talktal]

i heard back in the 90s him and brian had a thing. not that it matters....

[@williamgatesenson]

to all of the people saying "who cares that he's gay? this should have just been about him being a dope skater... etc" you're missing the point. it's great that we're finally getting to this mindset as a society but for the most part the skating community has traditionally been extremely homophobic. why do you think this beast of a skater was afraid to come out in the first place? as a gay skater who grew up in the 80/90s i can assure you that the absolute worst thing you could be in those days was gay. you'd be lucky to find any skaters that would accept you. i never did. as a result i skated alone. i had plenty of friends but i was the only one who skated. it's similar to why people make a big deal about elissa steamer for carrying the "first girl pro skater" torch. while the fact that he's gay or that she's a girl shouldn't be a big deal, it really IS a big deal because the fact that they are accepted now shows that we are changing as a society for the better. they helped open doors for a class of people who were traditionally oppressed by their peers. while i agree it should not be their defining characteristic, to say "it doesn't matter, why are we even talking about it" is a way of stripping that characteristic away from them. to them it does matter as a part of who they are. otherwise they wouldn't be doing interviews about it. it's a part of the history of the sport.

[@jayn8392]

yeah man. It's easier to say that shit these days now that people are finally becoming more accepting and less outright hostile. I grew up skating in the 90s and you are right about the way prople thought back then and how the culture was.

[@jeffersonkind8447]

Jay N Yeah, this was a random video I happened to watch. I was born in 1972, and I am not happy with amerika has devolved into. It is sad and angering at the same time. I woke up in 2003 while we illegally invaded Iraq. Once I realized we totally were lied to about 911, it was over then for me. My happy, little reality about how wonderful amerika was/is got shattered xover a 2 or 3 month period. My oldest brother is gay. I don't understand it whatsoever. I do not agree with it. I also don't like he they "let it all hang out". The drug addicts are encouraged to do the same with their use. I don't live in a legal or medical cannabis state, and I don't like how they cram the lifestyle down everyone's throats. I have smoked for 30 years and grown for over 20 and do not agree with this "in your face" form of legalization. What happened to people keeping some stuff personal and out of everyone's view.

[@Evil_Vegan]

williamgatesenson needs more likes

[@jeffersonkind8447]

throw that ass in a prayer circle that shows you missed the point of what I was saying....amerika has changed to the point I no longer recognize it. We don't have to accept everything that is thrown at us either. I personally don't care what people do, but I don't need to encourage or agree with everything.

[@valeriexvegan]

fuck yes!! i think straight people just can’t fully understand the struggle that we have in subcultures and just in general life of either having to be placid and suppressing ourselves or rebelling (to any extent) and being labeled as the reason why homophobia exists. i’m not a skateboarder but god damn i love this guy for coming out, and props to you and all the other gay skaterboarders: make your FUCKING spaces safer!!

[@NightOwlUtopia]

The only sad thing is that I’m order for straight men to “accept” us we always have to be the best of the best, in order to be taken seriously… we can’t ever just be. We always need to “prove ourselves”.

[@wesley939]

No and yes but I feel you. Back then yeah but now there are groups of gay and trans skaters.

[@las10plagas]

I saw an X-ray of a girl passing gas

[@frankpeter6851]

Even most gay people cant really inventory the pain that homophobia causes. I guess when you're accomplished and famous the scrutiny may force some heavy introspection. This guy could risk breaking his neck on that board, but speaking this simple truth was more terrifying. i hope people can appreciate that.

[@hughgrection1954]

frank peter they do dude shut up

[@Tombrosapien]

Did you read a dictionary before posting that? ;)

[@man.6618]

@@Tombrosapien bruh that was just... normal english

[@FallenKiller141]

Us skaters really support our favorite pros no matter what! No matter what we back Brian 100%

[@mysteryED419]

fuck yeah josh

[@ZONE6666]

Damn right (Y)

[@BRadgambler]

Fuck yeah !!

[@jaysonmclellan2081]

its 2016. why is this still a deal? all that matters is what he does on a skateboard.

[@BRadgambler]

Jayson McLellan It's not a "deal", that's why they made this video which Brian supported, and in it it showed all his friends whom he kept his being gay to himself for many years, it showed how cool they were with him being gay. That's why its a "deal", to show how the skateboarding community still accepts him and isn't black balling him...

[@unclescizzorz]

I’m not into skating at all so I’ve never heard of this dude but this was an awesome watch. Respect to this guy, very inspiring.

[@Vscustomprinting]

Well you have to start skateboarding now, don't you?

[@kumailjafri1094]

Omar mukhtar respects gays?

[@unclescizzorz]

Kumail Jafri Omar Mukhtar stood for freedom and fought against the oppression, genocide and colonialism of the Libyan people. Don’t soil his name with your trivial point system. God’s love and protection comes from how you treat people, not from performing menial, routine tasks and following an outdated user manual written by someone in political exile who never knew the prophet(pbuh) or any of his companions. This guy isn’t imposing on anyone and is just living his best life. Grow up.

[@ChreeNumber12]

I'm so proud of you Brian for coming out when you felt is was the perfect time in your life. I'm also gay and was a skateboarder for over 12 years and was open about my sexuality to my friends, my sponsors (emerica and local board company and my favorite skateshop) I filmed a lot of crazy video parts and at demo's my boyfriend was always there and people actually loved the fact that I was a metal listening, touring band member and touring hardcore skateboarder. You are an amazing person, legendary skateboarder and a brave and seemingly happy guy. I too never dated skaters (even though a few I wouldn't of minded but all my friends were straight) hahah. Good for you brother, best of luck with all your future endeavors and of course, it makes no difference who someone loves, dates or cares for. Hopefully what you have done by coming out will help the younger generation to do the same and not be afraid of what people think. Peace and Love brother.. I hope you get to read this somehow so you know personally how much this all meant to me and so many others. Lates.

[@petersalt]

This was a great piece. I am glad that he decided to come out and share it with the world. I am not a skateboarder but I am sure there are kids out there who need this right now. Well done to Brain Anderson!

[@TheDoomedUser]

RIP Phelps, the mag will never be the same without him and being so cool with Brian about his sexuality will always be a testament to how pure of heart he was

[@olekminskk5476]

"there's gay firemen there's gay doctors, who cares? get with it"

[@emmaduncan2991]

He'd make a great dad! I hope he finds a nice guy to settle down with, and maybe adopt a kid!

[@dudebrodude4388]

@N O lol, someone got their balls diddled by step-dad

[@dezmounts978]

N O ey ey you don’t need to repress your sexuality

[@brianbradley1345]

@N O ol' "I'm afraid of what these emotions might mean" head-ahhhhhh

[@h00db01i]

ah le ole _wanting an innocent child to be abused by your fucking evil social experiment_ otherwise known as society

[@O0000-i5q]

N O stfu bigot

[@MyFacefaceface]

im with phelper. gay straight who cares we rip and its about skateboarding but i find it funny he's on girl

[@speedy4205]

No the skaters on cock now haha

[@MyFacefaceface]

***** speaking of mothers. let me tell you how you were almost an abortion. It was paid in full to get done and your mother sat in the clinic antsy as ever and the urge to go shoot dope got the best of her and she left minutes before the doctor arrived. alas we have you.

[@h8ed121]

I also thought it was pretty funny

[@DinoXaviz]

HES ON 18 NOW ANTIHERO

[@proREFbrder]

20 years ago when I 1st watched "welcome to hell" he was always a skater I identified with, since I'm also tall and lanky. I can't believe he's still killing shit, dude is a beast.

[@EXROXX]

dude the voice on this guy holy shit so awesome

[@haikat4]

@@kylegritzan3699 gargling that mayo

[@SteelWool567]

Kyle Gritzan more like he smoked a lot

[@OtBe]

I'm more bothered by his riding for Nike than I am his sexual preference..

[@jameshemmings1542]

his sexual preference shouldn't bother you at all.

[@OtBe]

james hemmings That was the point, Genius.

[@KeetyPooh]

What is wrong with Nike? You lame asses always say this shit, they give the people on their team a well deserved income, they make a quality product. You think Vans, the first skateboarding company, is a homey family business? No, it is all big business.

[@OtBe]

Vans is a core skate company, they've earned their place. All these other non-skate corporations are in it for the 'trend factor' cash generating ATM they don't give a fuck about skating or skaters, that's what's wrong with Nike. At least Adidas doesn't sponsor SciFitologists & kicks them off the team if they become involved in that drivel.. Nike makes uniforms for them!

[@KeetyPooh]

01000010 01100101 Vans is owned by a major corporation, Vanity fucking Fare. Trasher is sold at Walmart, wake up to reality buddy. You're living in a delusion.

[@fmaries7000]

Being a skater in the 80's to early 90's my skate crew respected my skating but teased me about my mannerisms. When I came across this interview, it made my day to know that there are other gay skaters out there.😎

[@exactam0]

I feel like in in some way this is a great documentary about what it is like to be at the receiving end of homophobia.

[@kylejnicholson]

I was thinking the same thing. Because he has such a huge following of straight males... so they will listen and learn something.

[@anhiirr]

xenophobic thinking in general....ever seen something and felt you had to say or do something...but didnt. Its about taking action no matter who you are and having the power to stand up for what you believe in. BA points out how theres an obvious difference in "when he had the power" to say it, and this was made. vs what it could have done to his career and how he had to live as a person(retire from skating) to have the power to come out. Much like anyone in life in a circumstance where the decision you make is based off how it "really" plays out for you no matter the "virtue". If you can see the stigmas of this "power" and how it holds over peoples heads not only in homosexuality but in matters of all social issues....you can see how it shifts.

[@exactam0]

I'm glad he didn't come out of the closet 15 years ago: it would have ruined his career. There's a very different climate in society around being gay nowadays. It's much much much more accpeted nowadays but it certainly wasn't back then.

[@davidmelgar1197]

Was the climate that much more homophobic? Sorry if this is a silly comment, but I'm pretty young and wasn't into skating myself much anyway. But none of my friends who were had a problem with me being gay.

[@wagonburnerjr.9206]

you don't skate, so you don't deserve an explanation. it's the fact that he's a sick skater that we don't see him as a straight or gay. You don't skate, so your viewed as a gay not anything else

[@Hct80]

I thought he was just openly tall

[@kngcaso2155]

I just watched Kids and i can understand why he didn't come out back then. 90's was a gritty era to be gay. mad respect

[@Suburb_hell]

Honestly it made me tear up a little at the part where they said he'd drink a lot and felt shameful. Well I'm super happy for him that he can finally just be himself. Your always gonna be one of my favorite skateboarders. Much respect 💪🏻

[@ufotofu9]

I'm not sure why I found this so interesting in the year 2016. I have many gay friends and relatives. I've been skating for about 20 years. While skating is an alternative, artistic sport, it's always had a strange undercurrent of homophobia-- skaters can be some of the most judgemental people sometimes. Props to Brian 4 coming out. Hopefully he won't be the last. I'm sure he won't be.

[@nicholaslewis7148]

I’m just seeing this years later after it’s release. Really cool to see this community of folks really open to him being him. It doesn’t matter to them other than he’s a rad skateboarder. All that matters

[@nsxmatt]

You can genuinely tell in the video how relieved BA is to finally be free and open to be the man he always was. Not only is he a bad ass skater, he’s an awesome person. Good for you Brian. Enjoy your new free life and keep skating!

[@cousinhercules5144]

Brian Anderson has the BEST. Nike SB ever made!!! Period. Congrats to his courage and strength throughout his career. Regardless of his preference, any of us that have put our time and effort into skateboarding, hope to have a level of talent this man has exceeded. Respect.

[@Ryangtavo]

COUSIN hercules no no no no Wu Tang dunks are the best

[@ihavesoul4real]

Rog edited himself into the doc. Well done, Rog. Oh, and thanks, BA. Seeing this helped give me another small push toward coming out to my mother.

[@trappinz]

I am gay. I am a skateboarder. I have to hide my sexual orientation...cause it sucks skating alone. I am in love with a handsome man and i can not control that feeling. Besides my mum and my dad what i truly have is my skateboard. True friendship...i guess not

[@hughgrection1954]

trappinz dude nobody cares. just be gay

[@stop736]

I bet you’d be surprised bro by some people’s reactions. Most people, including skaters, could care less. Sure it depends how old you are as far as how mature your friends take the news, but they ain’t friends if something like this is a problem with them. Be yourself dude, that means more to people then hiding who you are. I’m straight, I hope that don’t offend anyone, including yourself. But there’s nothing more offensive about you being gay then me being straight. As a skater, it should be a non issue with other skaters. And as a friend or family member of people, it should definitely be a non issue. If it is then that’s their problem. Not yours bro. Keep skating brother, or doing whatever you’re passionate about. That’s where your happiness will come from. 👍👍

[@amaribrown3752]

All love bro keep skating

[@finnlancashire8968]

from what ive seen skaters and stoners are usually either too nice or too high to care but take your time if you need to

[@Danzak]

trappinz I hope you find everything you need and it all happens together. I’m gay. I’m also a skater. I skate alone too. Good job cos I’m terrible.

[@thephatcyclist1766]

I knew he was gay back in 2002. I didn't care nor did I voice it. B.A. was and still is an awesome person & skateboarder. I never cared about a person sexual preference, I've skated with pros and non pros that are gay as all of S.F. I backed all my gays friends even when they wanted to keep it under wraps. sexual preferences should never stop you in life. #BeYou

[@spectaclereplication]

sexual preference isn't the same thing as sexual orientation

[@thephatcyclist1766]

Why you have to be all technical for? can't just be like "I understated were you're coming from." Gzzz, I know the difference tho.

[@spectaclereplication]

Joseph Alejandro I know that in our post facts Trumpist world people like feelings based commentary, and anything less than that opens up pissed off responses for some peculiar reason. get a grip good glad u know the difference.

[@thephatcyclist1766]

That post fact Trumpist world can go to fakie with feelings. It's better to be pissed off then pissed on, it either strikes a cord or not. Thanks :)

[@BlueGamerCast]

Joseph Alejandro 77.5

[@Mom35008]

6:46 that bigspin is ridiculous. Basically an impossible scoop on it

[@kadenmccullough4967]

PlanBtrix I rewatched it almost 10 times trying to comprehend it

[@Esmith5488]

The switch fs one In the same line is so good too

[@geezer7640]

Bs impossible

[@ferdiemiddleton8910]

20 replays later on 0.25x speed sti havent gotten anywhere lol

[@Orius25]

Loved this... just thought it was a bit sad (and typical) that a gay man has to become #1 and a super achiever before he feels like he has enough cred to not feel ashamed anymore. A lot of guys follow that model. Like... if I become amazing in this field, or art, or craft, then people will overlook that I'm gay. But that's what gay men go through, constant validation seeking before they realize where the real self-love comes from. Lots of the other skaters in this doc mirrored that... like who cares if he's gay, he was our hero before he was gay. But would they feel the same if he wasn't an epic skater that they looked up to? Hopefully his coming out now makes it so that other skaters don't have to go through that process and can just be themselves from the get go.

[@SquirrelASMR]

Wow his voice is like a musical instrument from heaven! 😍

[@chromegnats]

Squirrel ASMR hahaha it is so soothing

[@ItsBriezzy]

This story breaks my heart for him emotionally but at the same time makes me so happy for him to be honest and fearless. People are cruel and misguided when judging anyone in the LGBTQ community, it isn't easy to navigate life, a career, or a reputation when you feel like an outsider because of who you are. Thank you Brian for speaking the message of "just be yourself" and to hell with the rest. Love is love, and good people are good people, who you are doesn't define you in God's eyes if you are a good person. God loves us all regardless of what "society" may try to categorize or mentally break us down into some kind of sect of people that are "wronged" which isn't right at all, God loves us all regardless, especially when we are good hearted people. I wish I could give him a big hug

[@Rohanfromregina]

fucking Brandon Biebel 😂😂😂😂

[@jcjrcottrell]

What a jock!

[@SolaceReignFalls]

Rohan Haye ha more pussy more me😂😂😂😂 but it's true tho

[@deadvirgo]

This

[@will-qc8di]

What's annoying is that when people see him in a part or see him skate they will be more focused on him being gay and ignore his pure insane fucking skill

[@bankslord]

Totally, they'll be like, "woah, he's gay and he's a really good skater!"....

[@ratinthecat2]

no they won't you stupid fuck. being gay is not interesting, being an exceptional skateboarder is.

[@HoCoKillaz]

Maybe for the average person but as a skater all we see is the skill.

[@f.kutarg93]

I don't skate anymore. But being from his generation being gay in the 90s and skating was a HUGE deal. Hope it's better now. But the fact he carried all this pressure and secret all this years should be indicative that skaters do care a LOT about someone being gay. If it weren't the case he'd never had to hide it.

[@bankslord]

ratinthecat2 Fuck you talking to you idiot. Did you even watch the fuckin' video, he basically says the exact same thing.

[@dygrizzly]

14:55 I straight up died

[@librarygary1618]

I'm drunk and just died laughing at this, followed by a search in the comments for someone to post the timecode LMFAOOOOOO

[@chrischristopher7808]

I thought that Bam Margera was the first openly gay professional skateboarder.

[@devinmichelle1358]

He’s probably bisexual

[@blackwater6146]

@Staz zy do you say "GAY" like that just incase someone thinks your gay?

[@nedisahonkey]

@Staz zy This whole thread is ridiculous but thought you may be interested that the phrase where a word loses meaning is "semantic sanitation"

[@blackwater6146]

Staz zy well if you use it in that way there is negative connotations whether its an insult or not. If you are attracted to men you are gay. If you put shit up your butt on jackass... that doesnt make you anything. This attitude is so constricting. 🤷‍♂️

[@thesurvivalistprepper6100]

Yeah he's so obviously gay but people don't notice it that's why the Illuminati put him up they love gay people in fact my girlfriend who was a makeup artist worked with him and told me right away he was gay and her two best friends are gay so she knows what she talking about

[@CarlisleFox]

Man BA was super influential to me as a skater growing up, I'm really happy for him this shit is out of the way and he can just focus on being a skate god and living his life!

[@gabos7892]

lol it's so funny, his husband looks like Bluto

[@NITSLAVAGANG]

this shit is powerful much respect for the legend that is brian anderson

[@HarrisonJedanfilms]

this makes me so happy! All the positive comments on KZbin, Facebook, Instagram and Thrasher make me so proud and happy to be a skater. This is so rad and is exactly why skateboarders and skateboarding is the best thing ever with the best community of rad amazing people

[@VoluntarySynesthesia]

"Hey camera, is that a carl zeiss lens you're wearing?" I'm dead

[@ARandomTrex]

back around 10 years ago when i was like 14 this would have been a big deal and alot of people would down on it. but now its really cool that people can be who they are and be accepted. really cool man... good for him. im not gay but shit,,, ill skate with a gay dude,,, not like it would be any different

[@karigreyd2808]

Communist Jihad Saying he is cool with gay people isn't making a big deal about it. Homophobia is still out there and speaking in favor of gay people is a good thing.

[@bravetherainbow]

I'm not gay but I'll fuck a gay skater, I don't give a fuck

[@kaiingoglia3974]

Great fucking video, I love that brian can articulate his experience so well. I didn't think I could respect him more, but the man is full of surprises.

[@jakescourage]

lmao is nobody gonna talk about biebels response

[@iroquoisplisskin1516]

Lmao more pussy for me

[@AuntAlnico4]

What, that's a problem ?

[@jakescourage]

@@AuntAlnico4 yeah it's a problem. Biebel ain't gonna leave pussy for the rest of us

[@Vscustomprinting]

@@jakescourage there's plenty to go around boys.. the ladies are in heat tonight!!! *mating dance*

[@mikequinlivan8842]

That is basically the most Biebel thing that could be said. Ain't malicious, just.... Fuckin Biebel.

[@internetvide0]

from grinding rails to grindr

[@Garf2O]

backside willy grind just got a whole new meaning

[@bankrotz66]

more like growlr 👍👍

[@JacobTrueman]

hell yeah

[@snakesilence1435]

Darren Mitton well said brotha

[@kristyy420]

from grinding rails to grinding rails, if you know what i mean

[@acetate909]

"He is single handedly responsible for my love of backside smith grinds" P Rod Was that a low key gay joke? Or just inadvertently funny? Either way, good peice. The skate community has come along way since I was a kid. It's good see all the support around this story .

[@mikechalmers6]

I'm an older straight guy. Work on cars - skater -outdoors guy . My buddies and I always said shit like "man that's gay" yet I never felt any negativity towards anyone because of their preferences . It was just the way we talked in the day. I've been trying real hard to change my language. This dudes story just reinforces why I needed to . 👍 Good video

[@rfrakctured]

Damn! You know, I always wondered about those Varial flips. :P

[@blakehall3861]

FraKctured ik this is an old comment but imo he has the best varial flip in the game

[@imgravey]

lol thats hilarious

[@AlexGordonMusic]

Blake M Hall nah, Tim O’Connor Brian’s are ill though

[@Stzit]

Nice Gentle Giant pic. Is your username a King Crimson reference, too? Dope.

[@nickmccack]

Gawd

[@TheLurchReaper420]

Hands down Brian always had the most amazing style. A raw mix of power and grace. Knowing that he was strong enough to come out in such a hetro-male dominated line of work I only have grown fonder of the fellow. Thank you for setting a positive example for others in the same position as yourself, Brian.

[@bwdc8532]

In 2022, this is probably the most accessible view on this topic. This should be shared more. This coming from someone who very much considers themselves to be in the "center" if things. I often use the "Skatepark Mentality". To me, it was a place of keeping your shit together, believing what you want and people would back you as long as you weren't a trash person to others. You could show up, dressed as you wanted to - and bust something over that hip or set...you'll get the same board taps as everyone else. The world itself is cold, not just skateboarding. Skateboarding reflected real life in a place that had a focus on something other than our differences. It allowed us to go "oh shit, we're different..but we show up to the same spot together for something else". I miss it, and think the world needs more of it.

[@matthewhartshorn4828]

this just made me so happy because I know it's such a relief for him and he's really happy he's so badass

[@420camk]

His style was always so smooth for a huge guy. Was for sure one of my favorite skaters growing up.

[@jasondashney]

The fact this is even an issue really pisses me off. It's great that BA was the perfect guy for this. Literally no other skater exudes "man" more than Brian Anderson. Side note, Guy Mariano looks like a tennis coach. Side side note, it's funny to me Brad Staba is in this because I used to think he was gay, haha. Also, it's true that lots of people knew. I'm a relative nobody and even I knew many years ago he was gay.

[@Vscustomprinting]

Yeah well, that's the times we live in, we gotta address it so people in the future have stepping stones...

[@spike7269]

i am bi and feel so much better not hideing it

[@Keybumpz]

lmfaooooo

[@SilverSnipe360]

spike7269 bi is fake you never see older bi people nice pointless fad to embarrass yourself

[@zootloops4380]

SilverSnipe360 you sound bout dumb as hell my mom is bi and she's been married to both genders, shit my stepmom is bi too lmao

[@fliphens1]

Silver ,too bad dumb aint a fad...yer might'a snaped outta of it. can you find the top your nose?

[@gs_weiss]

SilverSnipe360, that's interesting, this 37 year old bi guy grew up sk8ting at the same time as BA. I feel much better not hiding it as well, and even better when I get to laugh and call out ignorant people like you.

[@michaelquant7910]

Great interview, but where's Elissa?

[@kyledeetz8939]

for real?!

[@KarlLind]

Good question

[@jamesgonzales565]

Yep, Elissa Steamer has been our for a while. She's punk as f**K also.

[@mateozero8]

Male dominated sport. Male gay makes bigger headline than female.

[@livluvlive]

Most important comment!

[@chromegnats]

Phelps opinion about his sexual orientation is so dead on. Rest up, boss. Fav skater.

[@RJ_Johnson]

Saw him varial flip a couple times in his yeah right part... knew he was gay instantly. Jk jk he's the man...This little video was really good. Mad respect for BA

[@jayn8392]

Dudes an absolute beast, who gives shit if he is gay. It was deff a different culture in the 90's though, and I can imagine him having a hell of a time back then.

[@cyberpunkholiday]

He seems like the most chill dude! I’m so glad he came out and is a skater. Skating culture will carry the torch for all, because your skills are all that matter!

[@Rufusdos]

I feel sorry for anyone who has to hide their feelings, but it is kind of cool that BA has waited until his reputation in skateboarding is rock solid before going public like this. It's the perfect way to undermine the homophobia in skateboarding.

[@uhudla42]

Absolutetly true.

[@f.kutarg93]

No it's not. Why would anyone think is cool that someone had to live anxious and depressed? Are you people stupid?

[@uhudla42]

Thats also true. Noone should have to wait for a "perfect" time for a coming out. But in this particular case, its was the fact that he undermined the homophobia in skateboarding, because he waited. And thats cool. Altough that wasnt the reason he waited.

[@Rufusdos]

F. Kütarg I think you missed the point I was making. Because he hid his feelings until he was a made man in skateboarding, in future fewer people will have to hide theirs = less suffering all round.

[@fawn6]

People should not care about sexual preferences. Then, we will all be equal. That simple. Really cool interview guys.

[@mattmiller1472]

Rip Phelps man, such a real one. Still watching

[@chromegnats]

matthias miller his response to the news was so perfect. “What, are you having a sexual crisis? Gay? Who the fuck cares.”

[@pigwheel15]

This is such an important video... Awesome B.A

[@supernewuser]

Damn I'm somewhat surprised by this but I guess not really. The way Elissa talked about their friendship in ON or whatever hinted at it. He's still one of the best skateboarders in the world so I'd imagine this is a pretty big deal for the gay community.

[@quigongin7363]

supernewuser Thats how i knew he was, it mighta been the Epicly Laterd and i think its been hinted in other publications somewhere. Cuz i knew this for awhile before this was made.

[@supernewuser]

quigonGin yep it was Epicly Later'd for sure. Good call.

[@brotoswaggins6238]

Skaters dont Care, we accept everyone

[@pwnage844]

Except gay scooters

[@GetOffMyLog]

@@pwnage844 counterproductive, as long as they aren't breaking skatepark rules who the fuck cares. Every culture has dicks, we respect those who aren't

[@ChristopherTheBanana]

Oh, so you would accept anyone? Even Osama Bin Laden or Adolf Hitler?

[@mr.sandvich265]

@@ChristopherTheBanana the fuck

[@kaiasmith5404]

Christopher TheBanana shut the fuck up dude u know what they meant

[@JDYTC]

In my country (the Netherlands) the skate subculture late 80s/early 90s, was one of the first big youth cultures who experimented with bisexuality and open relationships (after the hippies in the 60s laid the foundation). In general, skaters were very open-minded to say the least. I am convinced that the skate subculture contributed to the spreading of a more open-minded mindset in general. I find it very ironic to say the least, when I see current hater skaters, hating on Penny boards for example, or something else they think is "wrong" with your skateboard (size, materials) according to their standards. As long as you have fun. Fuck what other people think. Good luck everybody and kind regards from Amsterdam

[@ParappatheRapper]

Interesting tale. I think you have to give a lot of these "haters" a bit of slack. Not all, but many skateboarders, especially in the old days, were kids without strong parental figures or otherwise not altogether the brightest or most progressive people. I myself am bisexual, I have had a boyfriend for about 5 years now and it's seeming like a lifelong thing. I have been skating for awhile now and I'm still afraid to be fully out at the park just because I fear physical violence or being ostracized or something. So I'm not immune to the problem either, I needlessly hide it and suffer because of people who are ignorant. I can't fully hold that ignorance against them though, and it's why education and getting people to think about their biases from a young age is important. The same way in which punk is supposed to be about rebellion and going against the mainstream, it also seems to bring in nazi punks and other negative forces that go against the spirit of the genre. I find skating to be in the same boat unfortunately. Anyway, I can see it from both sides and I agree with the sentiment of ignoring what other people think. Regards from the US.

[@ForrestBells]

It breaks my heart every time I hear people that are afraid to just be themselves because of being ostracized and destroyed as a person by scared bastards !!! Much respect to you Sir your beautiful!!!!

[@asparagusbear3323]

he also had his career to worry about.

[@budgetcarlot8948]

Having Gonz say that Brian got him back into skating that’s so crazy

[@huckleberryharrison6248]

BA rips so fucking hard. Psyched he's out and being himself.

[@albertrodriguez1999]

Damn truth is I'm pretty gay for Brian Anderson .... Hahaha

[@Christian0]

I met Brian when he came in for lunch at the restaurant where I work earlier this year. I asked if it was him and said I was a huge fan. Even though he doesn't like being recognized in public, he still went out of his way to ask for my name and then signed a dollar bill for me. He even gave me a covid-safe elbow bump before he left, super kind dude.

[@isucch]

This is so fucking sick, like everyone already loves BA but its wierd because ive never expected to love him even more then i do now. Such a sick guy! Also the second reda heard that BA likes bearded guys he grew a sick one out lmao.

[@repdale]

Awwhhh. That girl liked Brian...

[@AppLe-in7zf]

Ehh Embb who, Brandon? Yes she did, I agree

[@ilkkarautio2449]

I think she still does. Shes pretty generic-lookin, but i have hit it couple times myself ;) I just love Girl boards, their artwork is so cool and in general their one of the best brands to this date!

[@mole62ssf]

Skateboarding scares the crap out of me to watch. Fascinated by it but scary as all hell. What you do, skateboarders, I applaud. I applaud you. As for Brian

[@EliFleming]

Hopefully there's somebody out there watching this who maybe feels a little less different or less uncomfortable in their own skin. Props to BA for making that happen.

[@ianturnbow7011]

Thanks, Vice. Skateboarding needed this.

[@tragickomedy8031]

This is so cool, man. I imagine that there's a lot of kids (whether in the skate scene or not) having a plethora of mixed emotions prior to coming out to the world. Super inspiring. \m/

[@internetsurvivor]

It's nice to see someone that doesn't skate in tight pants.

[@PONYBOYonline]

If you're struggling to find skaters who don't wear tighter pants, then you don't pay much attention to skateboarding...

[@XD-ly7fp]

not many skaters wear tight pants

[@LotharOfTheHillPeople]

Are you only looking at magazines from 2005 or something?

[@davidpacheco7895]

you are out of touch

[@oiitzME1266]

wut?