NBA Player Jason Collins Becomes First Openly Gay Athlete In A Major American Team Sport
He's the first active, openly gay athlete in one of the big-four American team sports.
"I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay.
"I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, "I'm different." If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand."
Collins is a respected veteran who has played for six teams over 12 seasons. Before this, he was probably best known for his uncanny ability to guard Dwight Howard.
In his SI article, Collins said his final motivation for coming out was being unable to participate in a gay pride parade in Boston in 2012:
"I realized I needed to go public when Joe Kennedy, my old roommate at Stanford and now a Massachusetts congressman, told me he had just marched in Boston's 2012 Gay Pride Parade. I'm seldom jealous of others, but hearing what Joe had done filled me with envy. I was proud of him for participating but angry that as a closeted gay man I couldn't even cheer my straight friend on as a spectator. If I'd been questioned, I would have concocted half truths. What a shame to have to lie at a celebration of pride. I want to do the right thing and not hide anymore. I want to march for tolerance, acceptance and understanding. I want to take a stand and say, 'Me, too.'"
Collins has a twin brother, Jarron, who also played in the NBA. Jason says he didn't come out to Jarron until last year, and he was "astounded."
He described how he lived a "double life," even getting engaged at one point.
Former NBA player John Amaechi, who came out as gay after he retired, tweeted his congratulations:
The Washington Wizards said in a statement, “We are extremely proud of Jason and support his decision to live his life proudly and openly. He has been a leader on and off the court and an outstanding teammate throughout his NBA career. Those qualities will continue to serve him both as a player and as a positive role model for others of all sexual orientation.”
