Basketball Player Jason Collins Comes Out

Jason Collins, an NBA athlete, recently came out in an article for Sports Illustrated. In the article Collins says that he wants to be genuine, authentic, and truthful. The reason he has decided to come out now is because of the NBA lockout, he had down time that forced him to focus on himself and not just training for basketball. After coming out to his Aunt, who she said already knew, he started to feel comfortable in his skin for the first time. Collins said he stopped trying to hide who he was around people. Jason said, “Some of us know and accept our sexuality right away and some need more time to cook. I should know – I baked for 33 years.” Collins shared that he dated and was engaged to women because he felt that was the way he had to live. “I kept telling myself the sky was red, but I always knew it was blue. 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'”, said Collins. Jason goes into much more detail in the article, most of it is what many closeted people say. He talks about not fitting in and not being able to be himself while growing up. Jason has been praised for coming out. Michelle Obama tweeted “So proud of you, Jason Collins! This is a huge step forward for our country. We’ve got your back!” Even American soccer player Robbie Rogers tweeted “I feel a movement coming.” Jason Collin’s choice to come out publicly was a huge step forward for the gay community. Hopefully Collins’ has inspired other professional athletes to come out and start openly being themselves. Because at the end of the day it doesn’t matter what faceless names on the internet say about you or if someone stops supporting you because of their disdain for you sexual orientation, as long as you are true to yourself and love who you are you can get through anything. The only way our world will ever change completely is if there is acceptance.