The momentum is amazing like a giant ball gathering speed as it rolls down a steep hill.
Can it be? Have we turned the corner related to attitudes about homosexuality? Will Jason Collins’ coming out be the lynchpin that was needed to seal the new deal…the new day…the new world order for the global LGBT community?
In the last year we have witnessed miraculous turnarounds that could not have even been conceived 5 years ago.
Just two weeks ago, the Boy Scouts of America lifted its ban on admitting gay members and this week, NBA star Jason Collins publicly announced in an article in Sports Illustrated that he is gay. Many other strides for the gay community have happened over the last year which we highlight in our Global D&I Tipping Point report, but this one is really big.
Why? Sports has been considered a macho, manly domain for centuries. It was not until the most recent past that women have been legitimately recognized on the playing fields, and still not all, and still do not enjoy the same stature as men’s sports.
It is really big because it paves the way to change lingering homophobic attitudes and behaviors in sports, such as the recent revelations about the Rutgers basketball coach, Mike Rice, who routinely used anti-gay slang to chastise his players.
Jason Collins’ acknowledgement of his identity as a gay man is a big deal because it tells the world that your sexual orientation does not have to limit your goals and dreams to achieve greatness. I am sure that it was not an easy road to live in “hiding”, especially in his field.
It also brings a clear message that one’s sexual orientation has nothing to do with the content of your character. I found it interesting that some of the news commentators focused on how well liked he is, what a great guy he is, almost as if there was surprise that he really is “normal”… actually more than normal…exceptional.
It took tremendous courage for Collins to come out, so much so that President Obama called him to acknowledge his bravery.
Jason Collins said on ABC’s Good Morning America that he feels free, he feels good and has no regrets.
It is truly a wonderful feeling when you can bring your whole self to your work, without hiding a vital part of your identity. I am thinking that his performance on the court will get even better!
If Jason Collins’ revelation serves to encourage others to come out, I venture to guess that they too will perform better in whatever their pursuit and won’t we all be better off for it!
Bravo, Jason! And bravo in advance to others who follow his lead.
I was encouraged by all of the support he has received so far. Let’s keep it going.
Image courtesy of Twitter.com/SInow
