One Direction star Harry Styles showed his support for openly gay Rams player Michael Sam by wearing Sam's jersey on stage during the band's concert in St. Louis. This move came the same week that Sam survived the first round of NFL roster cuts. The final round is on Saturday, and #SamFans will be watching to see if Sam makes the cut. Earlier this week, ESPN apologized for a segment that aired on Tuesday's edition of Sports Center, during which a reporter spoke with St. Louis Rams players about teammate Michael Sam's showering habits. GLAAD has been in communication with ESPN to emphasize the serious harms of stereotypes and the company's responsibility to do better.
This isn't the first time Styles has showed he isn't afraid to "Stand Up" for LGBT people. Earlier this year, Styles recorded a video wishing the London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard a happy 40th birthday.
Last year, Styles tweeted his support for equality after witnessing a protest by the Westboro Baptist Church.
Despite the company outside, I believe in equal rights for everyone. I think God loves all. Thanks for coming to the show though.
— Harry Styles (@Harry_Styles) July 20, 2013
Michael Sam showed his thanks to Styles on Twitter this morning:
@Harry_Styles thank you for your support!!! #RamNation
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) August 28, 2014