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| Jason Collins |
His decision is truly monumental. Not only will it provide comfort for other athletes to come out, but also many other people around the country. Because professional athletes have such a widespread influence on fans, seeing that an idolized figure, especially in something so masculine as sports, can come out and still lead a successful, professional career, will undoubtedly provide comfort.
In fact, there is a current NFL player considering coming out, but, according to CBS reporter Mike Freeman, is "holding back out of fear of homophobic fan reaction." This fear is a very valid concern. Jason Collins is a free agent right now, meaning he isn't on an NBA roster at the moment, but is still considered an active player. Because he doesn't play for a team, he won't need to endure possible denigratory insults hurled his way. This is a whole different story for the NFL player. The NFL is currently rostered and would need to play amongst fans (especially when playing at another teams stadium with their fans) who may not be in approval of such a decision. Fan reaction may in fact decide the breadth of athletes coming out. If the unknown NFL player were to come out and receive intense hostility over his sexual orientation, then other players would, with reason, hesitate to come out. If greeted with acceptance, the perennial flood gates would certainly open.
I hope for the sake of hesitant athletes and fans around the country, questioning whether to come out as gay, that fans accept outspoken athletes identified as gay. For that reception may have more significance than imaginable.
What do you think the fans reaction to an active, gay athlete would be? What would subsequently occur in either case? Let me know with your comments!
G, I completely agree. Good post.
ReplyDeleteI think Collins coming out was a big moment for professional athletics, but I don't think it will lead to any significant strides in regard to legal rights for gay people. If more athletes decide to come out, and it becomes a less amazing event, then possibly society will learn to accept this event and more legal rights for gays. But for now, I think it is necessary for more athletes to come out so that our society can make some bigger changes.