EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Chris Kluwe is going on parade in his support for gay rights.
Kluwe, the Minnesota Vikings’ outspoken punter and political advocate, has used his status as an NFL player to speak out about equal rights, especially in regard to same-sex marriage.
Now, according CBS Sports report, Kluwe will be the grand marshal in the Twin Cities PRIDE parade on June 30.
Kluwe confirmed the news, writing, "Also, thank you @TwinCitiesPride for honoring me with the grand marshal position. Really looking forward to the event! #practicingmywave" on his Twitter page.
Kluwe took a notable public stance on the issue last August after former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo had been rebuked by a Maryland delegate following Ayanbadejo’s willingness to speak out in support of gay marriage. Kluwe and Ayanbadejo have also put their support behind legislation aimed at getting California’s Proposition 8, which strips the rights of gay marriage in the state, ruled unconstitutional. The case has gone to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Now, Kluwe is being honored for his willingness to fight for equal rights.
"To me, it's not about being an athlete speaking out about gay marriage or equality," Kluwe told CBS Sports. "It's about being a human being saying, 'It's not acceptable that this huge population of individuals have any less rights than me because they are gay.' I am proud to stand with Twin Cities PRIDE as an ally with PRIDE."
Kluwe also recorded an "I have Pride" video for the organization.
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