Openly gay BJJ competitors are a rarity in the jiu-jitsu world. Today the Jiu-Jitsu Times spoke with jiu-jitsu student Ericson Brown, who shares his story of being one of the very first openly gay BJJ athletes.
Jiu-Jitsu Times: First of all Ericson, can you give us a little of your background in jiu-jitsu.
What belt are you and what is your home academy?
Ericson Brown: Hi, my name’s Ericson Brown. I’m a purple belt under Lucas Leite, and I train at CheckMat La Habra in La Habra, California.
Jiu-Jitsu Times: Why did you start training?
Ericson Brown: I’d always been interested in martial arts, but when I started training jiu-jitsu, I knew I’d found something truly special. I think it’s the strategic aspect of grappling. Though I’ve spent countless hours on the mat, I never have trouble finding something new to work on.
Jiu-Jitsu Times: You have recently come out as a gay jiu-jitsu athlete. This is a rarity in the BJJ world. Share with us your decision about how you decided to open about yourself to your training partners. What has been the reaction?
Ericson Brown: I never really liked the idea of having to “come out” in some grand fashion. I’ve been dating someone really great for a few months now, and about a month ago we both decided to just change our relationship status on Facebook. Overall, the reaction was fairly positive; honestly, I wish I’d done it sooner.
Jiu-Jitsu Times: The BJJ academy has its own “locker room” culture, where a gay student may not feel comfortable. Have you ever felt this was a problem?
Ericson Brown: It just depends on the situation, you know? I’d be lying if I said I haven’t felt uncomfortable at times, but at the end of the day, I’m just another one of the guys.
Jiu-Jitsu Times: There are plenty of gay jokes in the spirit of good fun amongst the guys training BJJ. How do you see these things with your own sense of humor?
Ericson Brown: I mean, I’d probably laugh at the good gay jokes I guess, hahaha. It really comes down the delivery and purpose of the joke. Sayings like, “man that’s gay” or “no homo”, don’t really constitute as jokes, but a good lighthearted one will probably leave me in stitches.
Jiu-Jitsu Times: What are your own training goals in BJJ? How does jiu-jitsu fit into your life?
Ericson Brown: I’d love to open up my own academy one day. I’ve been away from competition for almost a year due to injury, but I’ve since recovered and should be returning next month.
Jiu-Jitsu Times: Lastly, there are few role models for young, gay martial artists. What advice do you have for a younger, gay male who trains jiu-jitsu?
Ericson Brown: My advice: Never feel as though you need someone else’s approval just to be yourself. Live boldly and those who matter will respect you all the more for it.
The post Coming Out In BJJ: An Interview With Openly Homosexual Athlete, Ericson Brown appeared first on Jiu-Jitsu Times.