Crossfit gay

Working, Out

This post is part of Outward, Slate’s home for coverage of LGBTQ life, thought, and tradition. Read more here.

The latest CrossFit controversy is not about risk of injury or which Paleo recipes boost performance on the grueling “WOD,” or workout of the day. Lighting up the internet far beyond the fitness brand’s message boards, this month’s outrage came in two phases. First, the management of an Indianapolis CrossFit cancelled a Pride Month workout event with the coy justification that “pride” is a sin. Many CrossFitters were not pleased. And then, corporate spokesman Russell Berger tweeted his back of this brave resistance to the “intolerance of the LGBTQ ideology” and was promptly fired, drawing despair from celebrity Christian conservatives like Erick Erickson and Franklin Graham for Berger’s unjust “ruination” for “standing on God’s word.”

#IndyPride activists and their allies were ultimately affirmed both by swift corporate action from above—CEO and founder Greg Glassman told Berger to “shut the fuck up,” adding that he is “crazy proud of the homosexual co

Crossfit executive fired over anti-gay tweet about Pride Month workout

A top Crossfit executive was fired today for tweeting his support of a downtown Indianapolis gym that canceled a Self-acceptance Month workout.

Crossfit Chief Information Officer Russell Berger's employment was terminated after he thanked the gym for "refusing to celebrate sin," the company announced on Twitter.

"CrossFit is a diverse community in every way, and that’s what makes us strong. No matter who you are, how you’re built, what you believe, or who or how you love—we are proud of you," the company wrote on Twitter.

"The statements made today by Russell Berger do not reflect the views of CrossFit Inc. For this reason, his employment with CrossFit has been terminated," the company added in another tweet.

The Indianapolis gym itself closed less than 24 hours canceling the workout, which had been planned by employees and members.

Berger's tweet supporting the cancellation has since been deleted.

The owner of the Indianapolis CrossFit Infiltrate, Brandon Lowe, later sent A

.

.