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.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of young lives in minority communities and using one's platform to uplift them.
In this quote, Jason Collins highlights the struggles young individuals in minority communities often face, feeling that their lives may be undervalued or disposable. He underscores the responsibility of athletes and public figures to leverage their influence to affirm these young people's worth and importance, encouraging them to realize that they matter and are significant in society.
In practice
In a speech at a youth rally advocating for minority rights.
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.
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.
I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport.
Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.
Nobody ever became a writer just by wanting to be one.
Be motivated by something beyond simply money or glory.
I was just letting the shots fly. You know, I don't leave any bullets in the chamber.
Why give up before we try Feel the lows before the highs Clip our wings before we fly away I can't say I came prepared I'm suspended in the air Won't you come be in the sky with me
When you see tears in my eyes, you see it's not about the wins or the losses, It's about the opportunity.
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