I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay. Jason Collins More Quotes by Jason Collins More Quotes From Jason Collins When I was younger I dated women. I even got engaged. I thought I had to live a certain way. I thought I needed to marry a woman and raise kids with her. I kept telling myself the sky was red, but I always knew it was blue. Jason Collins sky blue kids Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it's a good place to start. Jason Collins lgbt-community gay may I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay. I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, "I'm different." If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand. Jason Collins team sports kids I knew that I was choosing the road less traveled but I'm not walking it alone. Jason Collins traveled road-less-traveled walking I'm a veteran, and I've earned the right to be heard. I'll lead by example and show that gay players are no different from straight ones. I'm not the loudest person in the room, but I'll speak up when something isn't right. And try to make everyone laugh. Jason Collins gay player laughing The most you can do is stand up for what you believe in. I'm much happier since coming out to my friends and family. Being genuine and honest makes me happy. Jason Collins family-and-friends honest believe When we get to the point where a gay pro athlete is no longer forced to live in fear that he'll be shunned by teammates or outed by tabloids, when we get to the point where he plays while his significant other waits in the family room, when we get to the point where he's not compelled to hide his true self and is able to live an authentic life, then coming out won't be such a big deal. But we're not there yet. Jason Collins gay athlete self Things can change in an instant, so why not live truthfully? Jason Collins instant why-not I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. Jason Collins team athlete sports 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 Collins cousin basketball brother Now I'm a free agent, literally and figuratively. I've reached that enviable state in life in which I can do pretty much what I want. And what I want is to continue to play basketball. I still love the game, and I still have something to offer. My coaches and teammates recognize that. At the same time, I want to be genuine and authentic and truthful. Jason Collins basketball games play I am in love with the creator of heaven and earth. I see the morning sun and thank the Lord for everything that he has blessed me with. That is a perfect start to every morning. Jason Collins good-morning blessed love
