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.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of representation and acceptance within communities, particularly regarding sexual orientation.
Jason Collins highlights the reality of LGBTQ+ presence within professional sports, specifically in the NBA. By acknowledging that every family has members who are gay, he advocates for acceptance and the understanding that anyone can be a part of the LGBTQ+ community, stressing that being 'out' does not diminish one's connection to the broader community.
In practice
In a discussion about LGBTQ+ representation in sports during a panel.
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.
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.
I was married to the ANC. It was the best marriage I ever had.
Then may I tell you that the very next words I read were these – ‘Chloe liked Olivia…’ Do not start. Do not blush. Let us admit in the privacy of our own society that these things sometimes happen. Sometimes women do like women.
I was never honest. My father died, and I had never said to him, 'I'm gay.' I knew what I was, but I had to pretend not to be that to avoid the beatings.
Let's create an integrated global community where we have shared benefits and responsibilities, and we don't fight because of our differences.
I've had your tears with mine, and you've had mine with yours. I think that's more intimate even than a kiss.
The tongue has no bones, but can break a heart.
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