I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport.
Interpretation
Jason Collins speaks about his unexpected journey as the first openly gay athlete in major American sports, highlighting the bravery it took to embrace his identity.
This quote reflects Jason Collins' journey in professional sports, where he became the first openly gay athlete in a major American team sport. His statement underlines that while he did not plan to break barriers or become a pioneer, his decision to come out was driven by a personal authenticity that required immense courage, thus encouraging others to be true to themselves regardless of societal expectations.
In practice
In a speech advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, you could reference this quote to illustrate the importance of authenticity.
I would love to see an athlete live their life in an authentic way, not feel that they have to hide, not feel that they have to be afraid, or live with shame - all the other things that go with being a closeted athlete. No human being should have to walk that path. But there is that fear of stepping forward.
The worst insult you can give a professional athlete is to call them soft. And the stereotype out there is that gay is soft.
The first relative I came out to was my aunt Teri, a superior court judge in San Francisco. Her reaction surprised me. 'I've known you were gay for years,' she said. From that moment on I was comfortable in my own skin.
For many young people growing up in minority communities, there is a sense that their lives are disposable. As athletes, we have a platform to let those kids know that their lives are important. That their lives matter to us.
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.
My dream was to play in the NBA and live my authentic life as a proud gay man at the same time. I was able to accomplish both of those goals because of the people who have supported me throughout my life.
Gloom and despondency have never defeated adversity. Trying times need courage and resilience. Our strength as a people is not tested during the best of times.
Never be ashamed! There's some who'll hold it against you, but they're not worth bothering with.
What people don't understand when you've already been a suicide and pulled through is that after the sadness comes fear: Where is my mind going with this? I don't want to die. I do not want to die. When you don't have so much control over your own thoughts, over the myriad voices in your head, you don't know where they could go.
Relapse is very dangerous. However, relapse can be a symptom of the disease. Sometimes there are multiple relapses before you get sober and stay sober.
I have never been remotely ashamed of having been depressed. Never. What's to be ashamed of? I went through a really rough time and I am quite proud that I got out of that.
Never be shamed of being Afrikan
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.