Rugby Star Ben Cohen Strips Down and Fights Bullying

Former rugby star Ben Cohen has become the poster boy for battling anti-LGBT bullying and homophobia with his Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation. Now he's on the cover of the recent issue of Gay Times, the U.K,'s venerable 26-year-old gay magazine, talking about gay stereotypes, how to fight bullies, and, well, his new underwear line (don't worry, you can feel good about buying his sexy briefs -- the money goes back to his foundation).

Cohen told Gay Times that he choose to support the gay community after he retired because he was "in a privileged position. I had a great following in the gay community so I started breaking down those stereotypes when I was still playing rugby. And it got to a point where I decided I wanted to do something more, which is when we set up the foundation. But I didn't realize how powerful retiring for a cause would be."

He says that the StandUp Foudation has had a "hell of an impact" in the last year, in the U.S. and the U.K. in part because it was the first foundation of it's kind. "We're on a very simple mission -- to create awareness and support organizations and to affect and educate that next generation," he told Gay Times. "We need to teach people to understand that homophobic and racial slurs and bullying is not right. And to be part of the impact is fantastic."

Trending stories

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

Cowboys & Queens U.S. tour by Jane Hilton: A modern American dream

Bob the Drag Queen shades Mistress Isabelle Brooks’ weight loss: 'Girl, you have to get new pads'

Elton John broke down crying while writing new song 'about my death'

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

Country star Tanner Adell comes out as pansexual

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

The Charles is Pacific Grove's new LGBTQ+ hotel

Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources

In 'Survival of the Thickest,' queer joy and activism are one and the same

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

From rock legends to Pride flags: Discover the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Asbury Park

Trans Day of Visibility meets MAGA? See this 'Drag Race' star's fierce stunt

Gerald Garth is keeping people of color happy and healthy through trying times

JD Vance ruthlessly mocked after everyone in Greenland refused to welcome wife Usha Vance

Country star Tanner Adell comes out, 'Yes, I'm pansexual'

Discover the power of Wellness in your life

Watch: In gay period romance 'Lilies Not For Me,' playful wrestling turns sensual (exclusive)

Where to stay in LGBTQ+ Ireland: Castles, domes and luxury retreats

Watch Kelly Clarkson celebrate Trans Day of Visibility on her show

Season 4 of The Switch on resilience & radical self-love returns this spring

For us, by us: 15 great trans movies made by trans filmmakers

SFAF's Dr. Tyler TerMeer says he'll continue to fight for health care for all

Discover why chic Costa Navarino is Europe's luxury getaway

• 0
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8

He thinks, too, that being straight has helped people listen to his message: "I think that the most important thing about it is that I'm straight and promoting a foundation that's anti-homophobia. I'm bridging the gap between gay and straight. And I think straight people are more likely to listen when they see me breaking down stereotypes."

Don't worry, though, the rugby hottie isn't all seriousness, telling the magazine that he's a boxer man, except when he's on the field (then it's all briefs) or apparently on the cover of Gay Times, and he describes his new underwear line, which you can find at Prowler.co.uk.

You can also find the interview onGay Times downloadable app.