Well I have been at this for almost 4 years now and no sign of a sponsor. I went out on a limb and dedicated my life to racing. I put myself out there for the community in hopes of some support and to support some great causes. I branded myself as an Out Race Car Driver and tried to take all the right paths. I had publicists (some ok some just stupid) and agents. I have been in all the major publications and on the Out 100 list. I just don't get why there is no support for an out sports figure within our community. It is very dissapointing to see all these grants and sponsorships for websites and parties but when someone tries to make a difference in the public's eyes, there is not much support. I have had contact with some great people recently that may have something in store for me and the charities I want to support so stay tuned. I am just venting as now I have to go back to my old profession of being a line technician and I am going to have to deal with being in this industry as an openly gay man. It was never a problem before as I kept to myself but now I am an ex-gay race car driver that failed to get sponsorship. It will be rough to say the least! I also have to concede to my republican family that it was silly to think a gay person could get sponsorship in a straight sport. Unfortunately up to this point they are correct. I would definitely not recommend anyone in sports to come out until retirement unless they are happy where they are in their sport. It seems to be career suicide. Agents refuse to represent you and unless you are independedntly wealthy or have someone elses bank roll (mom dad sugar daddy sugar momma etc) you will fail. PLEASE someone prove this wrong! I don't want to lose too much faith in our community! I have lost all my savings, my house, car, health insurance and my job pursuing my passion. I will continue to try my best to get sponsored and prove them wrong! On another note, I have a video coming out on LOGO soon. Check back at my website (edarlingenterprises.com) for a preview!
hope everyone has a great summer!
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6 comments:
People arnt going to sponsor gays.
Great...now you tell me! I hope you are wrong!....and it is not spelled arnt...its aren't
Any luck with sponsorship?
Really sorry to hear that things haven't worked out. I admire you for following your passion, for putting everything on the line to help out "the community", for your perseverance, for your honesty. Wish I had the funds to sponsor you, or contacts who might. Even if you have to go back to a job you don't like (don't we all?!), know that there are people out here who, even though silent and unable to help, have appreciated who you are and what you tried to do.
I really appreciate that! It has been a long and difficult road. I hope it is not over yet as I will ALWAYS try as I believe in what I am doing. Thank you for the kind comment.
On a really good note, I love the video/Subaru had to have sponsored it and it is very well done, on the frontpage of your site, edarlingenterprises.com. It is awesome.
I even rode that 85 CR125R!
Evan taught me how to ride a dirtbike/motorcyle over a couple of winter days after school in 1985. His patience with me was, looking back, incredible. I have gone on to teach 4 other people to ride thanks to Evan.
Little does he know that he brought me so much happiness over the years with all the miles I put on streetbikes and riding through the forests on dirtbikes, not to mention the motorcycles I've gotten to ride when visiting foreign countries, all thanks to you, Evan. Thank you again, I'll always have it and pass it on.
Ben
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