LGBT history and sports history were both made this week when NBA Washington Wizards center Jason Collins became the first openly gay actively playing member of one of the four major American professional sports leagues. Collins’ coming-out was not just a bold personal move but signifies the start of a new era in LGBT acceptance.
The sports world has long been considered the last bastion of homophobia. While tremendous efforts have been made, especially in the last few years through initiatives like the “It Gets Better” campaign and others, to heighten awareness about LGBT issues among sports communities, penetrating the machismo barriers of most locker rooms is no easy feat. Many male athletes are conditioned from a young age — either by their parents, sports mentors or even the media — to equate athletic prowess with masculinity. And, with the societal conception of male homosexuality as being associated with feminine behaviors, characteristics and mannerisms, the notion of a gay male athlete could be considered seemingly incompatible.
Collins — and countless other gay athletes around the world — are deflating this inadequate correlation through practicing both their craft and a commitment to living openly. Collins is a nearly 7-foot, 250-pound basketball star — not exactly the image that comes to mind for those who still follow gay stereotypes. While those in the LGBT and ally community likely embrace the concept that people come in all shapes, sizes and colors, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, this could be a jarring realization for others, one that could cause them to question their long-held conceptions of the community.
Collins alone cannot bring about a worldwide or immediate shift in attitudes towards the LGBT community. However, his example can give a valuable push forward to the movement that has already begun. It has long been recognized that the LGBT community can best gain supporters when there are individual conceptions made — when a friend, family member or coworker comes out, showing those in his or her life what it truly means to be LGBT.
For Collins, he’s a public face to show millions what it means to be LGBT, and to be an athlete. Just as Ellen DeGeneres’ coming-out put a public face to lesbian comics, Neil Patrick Harris to gay actors and Barney Frank to out politicians, Collins is showing by example that the community has more facets than can be imagined and spans every sector, including the sports world.
While Collins’ revelation can be hailed as inspiration for young gay athletes and education for the sports world in general, he should also be recognized for the individual, personal journey that took him to this place. Coming out to friends, family members or others on an individual level can often be a daunting task, and Collins was willing to take that process to an international level. While he should be congratulated for the example he’s providing to millions, he should also receive a well-deserved pat on the back for his courageous personal commitment to self-actualization.