This is a big deal.
This means nothing in terms of actual sport, but culturally, the ramifications are endless. Finally, Jason Collins is able to feel free and open with how he lives his life. Openness is the theme here. Everyone should feel open to how they live their relationships. The sport world requires machismo and toughness. Jason Collins clearly has shown in his years in the NBA that he has both. He breaks the stereotype of a gay man. A stereotype that is quickly dying when men like him and these two beardfaces come out as gay.
I've seen many people on Facebook and Twitter question why this is a big deal. "It's 2013. Why does it matter what anyone's sexual orientation is now? We're in a society that will support Jason Collins, not bash him." And all of that is true. Most of the comments about Collins have been extremely positive.
"@BruceBeck4NY: "@darrenrovell: In exactly half a day, @jasoncollins34 twitter followers grew 1873% from 3,700 to 73,000 followers." Class guy!"
But the issue is that there are still tons of people who are afraid to do what Collins did and openly profess how he really feels. Whether they are other athletes in the public eye who could face scrutiny and heckling or they are kids in high school afraid of bullies and judgement from their parents. We need to reach a society where the color of your skin, your gender, your sexual orientation, none of it, matters. Everyone deserves the basic human and American rights. Until that happens, this will continue to be a big deal. The next athlete to openly come out will be as celebrated as Jason Collins, as it should be. This is a bold move for him and he should be praised for finally being open with his feelings and who he really is. Hopefully he can play at least one more year in the NBA to see how the real reaction is from fans and players.
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