Yesterday, the United States’ professional sports community was changed forever.
Yesterday, Jason Collins of the Washington Wizards, became the first openly-gay, active professional athlete in the United States.
I have to admit, I’ve never been a huge fan of the showboating that seems to surround so many celebrities, “coming out of the closet.”
Not that they need to keep it to themselves, but holding a press conference to announce your sexual preference seems like a desperate need for attention.
In Collins’ case, it does seem a tad suspicious that he just happens to be a free agent. However, in this case it does serve a larger purpose. So motives aside, it’s a good thing.
Professional athletes are the paragon of masculinity in our society. To have a male professional athlete proudly share that they are a homosexual, that’s huge.
While I like to think we’ve come a lot closer to tolerance and acceptance (and we have) the truth is there’s still a ways to go. And hopefully this will be an important step in the right direction.
______________________________________
More on the Story: NY Times
…just for fun: