The worst insult you can give a professional athlete is to call them soft. And the stereotype out there is that gay is soft.
Jason CollinsRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the struggles that closeted athletes face in being true to themselves.
Jason Collins speaks to the need for athletes, and indeed all individuals, to live authentically without the fear of judgment or shame. He highlights the internal conflict that arises when one feels compelled to hide their true self due to societal expectations, advocating for a world where everyone can openly express their identity, free from fear of repercussions.
Themes
AuthenticityFearAthleteShameIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech at a sports event, highlighting the importance of being true to oneself.
More from Jason Collins
All quotes →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.
Jason CollinsRead
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.
Jason CollinsRead
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.
Jason CollinsRead
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.
Jason CollinsRead
I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport.
Jason CollinsRead
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