“When we get to the point where a gay pro athlete is no longer forced to live in fear that he'll be shunned by teammates or outed by tabloids, when we get to the point where he plays while his significant other waits in the family room, when we get to the point where he's not compelled to hide his true self and is able to live an authentic life, then coming out won't be such a big deal. But we're not there yet.” SelfPlayBigsAbleWaitingRoomsDealsGayAthleteSignificantComing OutTrue SelfCompelledBig DealTeammateTabloidsSignificant OtherAuthentic LifePro Athlete Author:Jason Collins
“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it's a good place to start.” MayGayPrejudiceLgbtOpennessGood PlaceGay PrideLgbt Community Author:Jason Collins
“I'm a veteran, and I've earned the right to be heard. I'll lead by example and show that gay players are no different from straight ones. I'm not the loudest person in the room, but I'll speak up when something isn't right. And try to make everyone laugh.” TryingPersonsDifferentShowsSpeakRoomsLaughingPlayerHeardExampleGayVeteran Author:Jason Collins
“Some people insist they've never met a gay person. But Three Degrees of Jason Collins dictates that no NBA player can claim that anymore. Pro basketball is a family. And pretty much every family I know has a brother, sister or cousin who's gay. In the brotherhood of the NBA, I just happen to be the one who's out.” PeopleKnowsPersonsHappensThreePlayerBrotherMetsGayBasketballDegreesClaimsNbaBrotherhoodCousinJasonNba PlayerBrother Sister Author:Jason Collins
“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.” IfsWayYearsFirstsDifferentDoneHandsKidsWishSportsBlackTeamGayConversationMajorsAthleteMy WayNbaClassroomSports Team Author:Jason Collins
“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.” FirstsSportsTeamGayConversationMajorsAthleteSports Team Author:Jason Collins
