It’s finally happened. NBA player Jason Collins has become the
first openly gay athlete from a major American team sport. The 34-year-old
Washington Wizards center writes candidly about his sexual orientation
in the May 6 issue of Sports Illustrated.
“I wish I wasn’t the kid in the classroom raising his hand and
saying, ‘I’m different,’” he said. “If I had my way, someone else would have
already done this. Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.”
He writes that the tragic Boston bombings convinced him to come out
now. “Things can change in an instant, so why not live truthfully?”
Collins writes about the impact his coming out is likely to have:
“I go against the gay stereotype, which is why I think a lot of
players will be shocked: That guy is gay? But I’ve always been
an aggressive player, even in high school. Am I so physical to prove that being
gay doesn’t make you soft? Who knows? That’s something for a psychologist to
unravel. My motivations, like my contributions, don’t show up in box scores,
and frankly I don’t care about stats. Winning is what counts. I want to be
evaluated as a team player.”
In the essay, he also addresses how straight allies in the pro
sports world made his decision easier.
I’m glad I’m coming out in 2013 rather than 2003. The climate has
shifted; public opinion has shifted. And yet we still have so much farther to
go. Everyone is terrified of the unknown, but most of us don’t want to return
to a time when minorities were openly discriminated against. I’m impressed with
the straight pro athletes who have spoken up so far — Chris Kluwe, Brendon
Ayanbadejo. The more people who speak out, the better, gay or straight. It
starts with President Obama’s mentioning the 1969 Stonewall riots, which
launched the gay rights movement, during his second inaugural address. And it
extends to the grade-school teacher who encourages her students to accept the
things that make us different.
A Historic & REVOLUTIONARY MOVE. BRAVO!
ReplyDeleteOne.
BRAVO indeed, welcome back SIR!
DeleteGood for him.
ReplyDeleteI was at work today like most of America when this broke. I was in our break room with 10 or 12 other guys watching ESPN. There were a lot of comments about it, but nothing negative. Like most offices, we have plenty of openly gay people. The only thing that has ever mattered to me is the quality of one's work, not what they do when they go home. I realize that it's a part of who they are all the time, but I've honestly not understood the "concern" that many of the conservative types place on this sort of thing. Most sports fans are probably more concerned with their team winning than anything else.
I think this will probably just be the start. This is good for America.
This is VERY good! Nice to know that you are not a 'typical' guy :)
DeleteCongratulations, Mr. Collins! What you did today not only changes the world of professional sports, but most definitely has made a significant difference in the lives of many youth who are questioning or dealing with their sexuality. I appreciate your honesty, your courage and your dedication to truth and responsibility. You are, indeed, THE man!
ReplyDeleteAnd I LOVE the fact that his brother supports him 1000%
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