8.5: The Story of the First Openly Gay MLB Player: Glenn Burke

Happy Pride my friends, especially to the LGBTQ+ members in our community! To celebrate Pride, I wanted to share an episode from my Bite-Sized Black History program that features a Black American who was LGBTQ+. So today, we’re learning about Glenn Burke, who was the first openly gay Major League Baseball player! Glenn Burke was an amazing athlete and always the life of the party. He wasn’t afraid to be his authentic self, even when people were discriminating against him. He is even credited with creating the high-five!  Glenn’s life was cut short by AIDS, and I’ve included in this episode some insights and lessons I learned from an LGBTQ+ activist for talking to kids about AIDS, which I hope are helpful to you as a parent, teacher or caregiver.  And I hope by listening to Glenn’s story and reflecting on his life that we can be part of creating change so that others don’t have to go through the same things he did.    Get your FREE coloring page to go along with the episode Glenn Burke’s story is part of my Bite-Sized Black History program, where I feature 28 different Black Americans who you may have heard of but who have largely been overlooked in the history books. Each person is featured with a mini podcast episode, coloring page and reflection questions to help the kiddos in your life really learn about these amazing people in a meaningful way. And to go along with this episode, I’m giving away the coloring page and questions that go along with Glenn Burke’s episode! Head over to firstnamebasis.org/mlb to get your copy sent straight to your inbox, and be sure to head over to firstnamebasis.org/blackhistory to learn more about Bite-Sized Black History.   Invite Jasmine to work with your school! Are you a parent or teacher who wants to help your school turn good intentions into positive action by making anti-racist education a priority? First Name Basis is here to help! Jasmine Bradshaw, the host and founder of the First Name Basis Podcast, is an anti-racist educator and former second-grade teacher who has a passion for helping schools make real change. Whether you’re looking for a keynote speaker at your next PTA event, want to implement our Ally Elementary curriculum at your school, or need someone to consult with your school and provide teacher trainings, Jasmine is your go-to resource. Email [email protected] or visit firstnamebasis.org/workwithme for more information!   Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode First Name Basis Podcast, Season 6, Episode 4: “Say This, Not That When Someone Comes Out to You” with Elena Joy Thurston Listen to this letter that Billy Bean, the second openly gay player in the MLB, wrote to Glenn. Watch Glenn Burke up to bat in the 1977 World Series.   Resources for teaching children about HIV/AIDS: This video explains what HIV is. Here is a StoryCorps episode about losing family during the AIDS epidemic  This video is about how to protect yourself and others from HIV. This video is about what it’s like to live with HIV. This video is a segment from the Today Show called “Looking Back on 40 Years of the AIDS Epidemic.” The Reagan administration’s response to the AIDS epidemic was rooted in homophobia. You’ll see that through this video. I really love amaze.org for all of the different topics they cover about sexual health. Song Credit: “Clapping Music” by BrightestAvenue and “Sunshine” by lemonmusicstudio