"I hope that every player makes a decision that leads to their own happiness, whatever happiness that is in life. I know that I, right now, am the happiest that I've ever been in my life." - Jason Collins
NBA player Jason Collins publicly revealed this week that he is gay and has now received the title of being the first openly gay athlete in one of the four U.S pro sports leagues.
The news came to light through Twitter and a breaking news report by ESPN in the midst of recent controversial same sex marriage legislation battles in Washington D.C. Collins' announcement came as a shock to the sporting world but with close to no opposition from anti-gay supporters. Even Collins' own twin brother had no idea that his brother was gay due to the way he went about his daily life.
In what many would believe to be a revolution in the sporting world, this act of self-satisfaction has been accepted, and long awaited, by many fans. The basis of the argument for most anti-gay supporters ties into their belief that having an openly gay professional athlete would be detrimental to young onlookers as they would begin to feel being gay isn't so bad. The fact that these individuals feel this way is their own choice but to deny a person their right to be liberated from societal pressures in order to prevent the 'spread' of their lifestyle is an abridgment of the first amendment.
The world of professional sports was the one uncharted territory unscathed in a major way by homosexuality until Collins' announcement. This act of bravery resonates deeply with Collins' fellow teammates, friends and family. The decision to reveal his sexual orientation came after his enrollment in a 12-step program, which helped him deal with the emotional aspect of the situation. Collins' also mentioned he received most of his inspiration to come out through tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who came out in 1981.
Numerous NBA stars including Lebron James and Kevin Garnett have called Collins "brave" and "noble" for taking this step in his life. Even President Barack Obama called Collins to congratulate him on his decision. No less than 5 years ago, anti-gay slurs and stiffness spewed out of every aspect of American society from the government and private businesses to individuals and advocates. More beneficial than Collins' personal relief, this act of camaraderie by fans and players alike shows that our society is beginning to open up to indifference by advocating change and breaking stereotypes.
The news came to light through Twitter and a breaking news report by ESPN in the midst of recent controversial same sex marriage legislation battles in Washington D.C. Collins' announcement came as a shock to the sporting world but with close to no opposition from anti-gay supporters. Even Collins' own twin brother had no idea that his brother was gay due to the way he went about his daily life.
In what many would believe to be a revolution in the sporting world, this act of self-satisfaction has been accepted, and long awaited, by many fans. The basis of the argument for most anti-gay supporters ties into their belief that having an openly gay professional athlete would be detrimental to young onlookers as they would begin to feel being gay isn't so bad. The fact that these individuals feel this way is their own choice but to deny a person their right to be liberated from societal pressures in order to prevent the 'spread' of their lifestyle is an abridgment of the first amendment.
The world of professional sports was the one uncharted territory unscathed in a major way by homosexuality until Collins' announcement. This act of bravery resonates deeply with Collins' fellow teammates, friends and family. The decision to reveal his sexual orientation came after his enrollment in a 12-step program, which helped him deal with the emotional aspect of the situation. Collins' also mentioned he received most of his inspiration to come out through tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who came out in 1981.
Numerous NBA stars including Lebron James and Kevin Garnett have called Collins "brave" and "noble" for taking this step in his life. Even President Barack Obama called Collins to congratulate him on his decision. No less than 5 years ago, anti-gay slurs and stiffness spewed out of every aspect of American society from the government and private businesses to individuals and advocates. More beneficial than Collins' personal relief, this act of camaraderie by fans and players alike shows that our society is beginning to open up to indifference by advocating change and breaking stereotypes.