Many people retain the stereotype of the manly straight guy playing sports. But the gay guy? No way. He’s too feminine and too delicate to play professional sports. Collins is a twin to Jarron Collins, who is married (to a woman) and has three kids. Although initially shocked, his twin brother was completely supportive.
This raises other issues. Although the gay marriage debate continues, we cannot deny the existence and prominence of gay people in American society. There really is no “normal” in the 21st century as unconventionality becomes the norm. What Collins did seems colossal now, but it won’t be a big deal in the future. He has paved a road for other pro athletes to follow suit, because it is currently somewhat taboo to do so. People will not be afraid to be themselves anymore, and the mentality that they will be seen as “less manly” will be broken down.
Professor Jessica Graham of the UCSD history department said she feels that while Collins’ actions are to be commended, the reaction by the county, however good, is an embarrassment.
“How is it that more than a decade into the 21st century, we are still concerned about the sexuality of a professional basketball player, or anyone else, for that matter?” she said. “How is it that this milestone is only occurring now, in 2013? It seems we are still deciding whether or not we really believe in that human equality thing, and gay rights is just one part of the unresolved issue.
I do, of course, appreciate the historical significance of this moment. This is progress. Such advances mean that in the not-so-distant future, an openly gay athlete will be drafted into the NBA with zero hullabaloo just as no one so much as bats an eye when a black player is drafted by a Major League Baseball team. I look forward to that day.
NFL, you’re next.
The other side of the token is this: Why do we need to know about Jason Collins’ personal business? Isn’t that something that he can keep behind closed doors? Indeed, this should not affect his basketball-playing career, so why mention it? It’s not like every other straight athlete is bragging about his or her heterosexuality. But that’s it exactly: Collins is making a statement. He is assumed straight until suspicions arouse or comes out as gay. In this professional world of sports, he is “straight,” and being gay transforms this space. However, it’s not as big a deal as it would have been 50 years ago.
A third-year sociology major at UCSD opines that, “It’s good that he came out. I respect anyone who chooses to not come out as well. It’s really that individual person’s choice. But the fact that he did — I support him 100 percent.”
So although Jason Collins is making a sensitive issue less sore to the touch, the future of other gay-related issues remains unclear.
The younger generation of boys and girls who thought sexuality would be a problem in achieving their dreams can now do anything.