The Game of NO OFFENSE

The NBA has been on rampage making sure that homophobia is banished from the game of basketball. Just over a month ago, Kobe Bryant was caught on national TV using a derogatory slur against gay people. The NBA handed out a large fine of $100,000 for his words, and the LGBTQ world applauded the NBA for its quick and strong reaction to Kobe's misbehavior.

Shortly after that, president and CEO of the Phoenix Suns, Rick Welts, came out publicly. The NBA executive is one of the most high-profile figures still active in sports to declare that he is gay. This was a positive step forward in the world of sports and the progressive world that has encouraging these brave actions.

Former NBA player and current NBA analyst, Charles Barkley responded to the recent anti-gay and gay openness by saying, "I’d rather have a gay guy who can play than a straight guy who can’t play.” He is absolutely right. People make a big deal out of the possibility of of homophobic responses in the locker room, the fact remains that these people are here to do a job, and get paid A LOT of money for it.

There's never been a peep from anyone who works in business, law, or medicine who works with openly gay people. A brilliant manager of a hedge fund, trial lawyer, or surgeon is never questioned for his or her sexual preference -- the quality of their work speaks for itself.

Last week Joakim Noah, of the Chicago Bulls was fined $50,000 for using a gay slur directed towards a spectator during the Eastern Conference Finals. He apologized almost immediately and absorbed his punishment with grace. People will make mistakes, people will be insensitive, but as things seem to be going people are becoming more tolerant in the world of sports, and especially basketball.

Food intolerance tolerance

I recently began dating a wonderful person who happened to be a vegan. As a regular meat eater, even though I have cut down my meat intake by more than fifty percent, I didn't blink for a minute at having to eat at Vegan-friendly establishments with my partner. As our romance continues to blossom, my partner has recently been diagnosed with Celiac disease; like any concerned partner, i quickly noticed that the real world (read Whole Foods WFMI) takes gluten free and vegan diets very seriously.

I frequently go to Whole Foods, even though it is more expensive than other grocery competitors, to buy produce and almond milk. I myself have a dairy intolerance that requires me to have non- dairy milk with my cereal. I cant help but notice the extensive gluten-free and vegan alternatives that are offered at this store.

Furthermore, the ample amounts of gluten free options at two of my favorite vegan Los Angeles restaurants, Native Foods and Real Food Daily make dining out with my very significant other easy and delicious. I have totally embraced the restricted diet lifestyle myself, and do not experience any hindrances in my day to day life. So much so, that I am always seeking out gluten-free, vegan options and having nothing but good things to say about these products!

Sadly, my dairy intolerance is not as widely accepted in the yogurt world. Not that I was a huge fro yo consumer, but I definitely enjoyed my fair share of the delicious treat. The only non dairy fro yo that I have found is at Big Chill on Westwood and Olympic in Los Angeles. There hasn't even been an "adjustment" phase for me to be tolerant of my VGFGF because in addition to my love for vegan food, my partner is more than a pleasure to be with.