Reid+and+Keely+and+Amy

First Professional Athlete to come out as "gay" in a Major Team Sport. More to come...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/magazine/news/20130429/jason-collins-reveals-gay-nba-interview/

Reid's Response: I think what Jason Collins did was very inspirational and courageous. To be a pioneer of something as extreme as admitting that he is homosexual is very admirable. No one wants to be the first person especially on this type of level because they are worried about what will happen and what people will think of them. I believe that Jason Collins has helped pave a path for any and all athletes to be open about their sexual orientation. I can understand why someone wouldn't reveal that they were gay, because of the fear of being judged and discriminated. However, this was a step in the right direction for a more understanding and accepting society and has garnished the support of many top athletes.

Keely's Response: I think Jason Collins did a courageous action. He should not be ashamed of his homosexuality and he sets a proud role model for other people. I hope he can hold strong against discrimination. Also I hope other athletes, who were unsure whether to announce their sexual orientation will do so and support Collins against cruel jokes. However this morning on the radio, I heard disturbing comments on this subject. KSSK was poking at the idea that maybe he has decided to announce his sexual orientation because he is not an "A listed" athlete therefore he did this in order to gain popularity. I hope that the radio is only poking at the idea because if it is true then I hope Collins is disgusted with his poor choice in using this sensitive topic just to gain popularity.

Amy's Response: I find it odd that no male basketball athlete has publicly announced he is gay, but female athletes have previously done so before and also male athletes in football, boxing and gymnastics. I think it is because males in general have a lot of pride and do not want to open up personally like that. I think the result will be more distinct views of homosexuality whether positive or negative. I think at first I would be kind of unsure, but then again I do not play contact sports. As long as that teammate is not hitting on me, I think it would be fine. Just like a heterosexual person, homosexual atletes would need to know others personal space. Yes, they will treat him with him more positively for making a courageous step. Over time people will be more accepting of gays in professional sports, but for now some people may still be stubborn because they do not want change. Change will be faster for the younger generations because young homosexual athletes have an idol to look up to and know it is possible.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think were the main reasons behind why no athlete had previously come out openly as homosexual? 2. What do you think will be the result of this entire situation? 3. How would you feel if you had a teammate who was homosexual? 4. Will society judge/treat Jason Collins differently because of his coming out? 5. Will people be more accepting of "gay's" in professional sports? Will it lead to more people coming out?