Charles Barkley offers his staunch support to LGBTQIAP+ community in a stirring speech

Celebrities are often put on pedestals because of their achievements. Consequently, witnessing celebrities taking a firm stance on significant matters is truly uplifting. NBA icon Charles Barkley captured the hearts of many when he fearlessly stepped onto the stage and expressed his support for gay rights, using his influential public platform, pdf Queerty. His strong stand involved some expletives and an appeal by him to cool off with some sips of Bud Light.

Barkley in his enthusiastic manner said, “Drink this. I want you’ll to drink this f**ing beer, I got three cases of Bud Light, and hey, I want to say this. If you’re gay, bless you. If you’re transgender, bless you. If you have a problem with that — f*** you!” The reference to Bud Light is important as it has become one of the most talked about brands in America after its decision of collaborating with a celebrity from the LGBTQIAP+ community.

Bud Light in April entered into a collaboration with TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney. Mulvaney was featured in some social media ads for the brand. This led to many conservatives opposing the brand. As a result, several high-profile pro athletes and figures decided not to enter into a relationship with the brand. Barkley stands as an exception within them as he has no qualms not only associating with the brand but calling out all the people who have problems being related to the LGBTQIAP+ community.

The athlete emphatically said, "I ain’t worried about getting canceled.” The reason behind Barkley's confidence is also his prolific position. The athlete has a well-deserved place in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame and has a TV Contract that garners him almost 10 million dollars annually. It is safe to say that the athlete is in a position to support the rights that he wants without any fear of backlash ruining his life.

This is not the first time that the athlete is supporting the LGBTQ community. His public form of support also came in the American Century Championship in Tahoe. Apart from proclaiming his love and support for the LGBTQ community he also expressed the disdain he has for bigotry in the speech he made last summer. Currently, Barkley is appointed as TNT’s lead NBA studio analyst and is set to make a debut as an addition in a new primetime show on CNN this fall. In 2011 when asked about gay teammates. the athlete responded that he has played with gay players before and it has never been an issue.

Barkley's statement during that time was, “It bothers me when I hear these reporters and jocks get on TV and say, ‘Oh, no guy can come out in a team sport. First of all, quit telling me what I think. I’d rather have a gay guy who can play than a straight guy who can’t.” Barkley has been publically supporting same-sex marriage for a long time and has also been involved in campaigning against bathroom bills. These bills prevent transgenders from using bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity. He was also supportive of the coming out of Jason Collins, the first active player to affirm his sexual preference as a gay man.