Gay coach says Jason Collins changed his life and changed the world

In the spring of 2013, Jason Collins made history when he came out as gay on the cover of Sports Illustrated, becoming the first active male athlete in one of the Big 4 American sports leagues to publicly identify as gay. 

That same day, my mom was in the hospital for surgery. As I sat in the waiting room reading Jason’s story, I felt a wave of courage. His words gave me the strength to come out to members of my own family while sitting in that hospital.

Later that year, I came out publicly. Not long after, I was invited to attend the You Belong Camp in Chicago, which served local LGBTQ youth. That’s where my friendship with Jason began. 

I’ll never forget running drills with Jason and his twin brother, Jarron, getting to know them on and off the court. That day marked the start of a special bond I’ve cherished ever since.

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Since then, Jason and I have been fortunate to use basketball as a tool for inclusion. We once sat in a quiet room in Portland with a closeted kid from Chicago who was wrestling with his identity. Years later, Jason stood by me as a guest coach at a Pride on the Court event in New York. 

We celebrated World Pride together atop the Freedom Tower. And just last year, I watched him inspire kids at an inclusion camp during the Final Four in San Antonio, sharing his story with the same openness and humility that first inspired me a decade ago.

I don’t believe any gay athlete has had as profound of an impact on our community as Jason Collins. He opened doors for so many—Derrick Gordon, Chris Burns, Jallen Messersmith, Matt Lynch, and others in the basketball world who have followed his lead. His courage gave them permission to live authentically, and in turn, to inspire countless others.

One of the most powerful moments I’ve ever witnessed in sports came during Jason’s first home game with the Brooklyn Nets. I sat courtside with Wade Davis and Patrick Burke as Jason checked into the game to a thunderous standing ovation. 

We were overcome with emotion, fully aware of the significance of that moment. 

After the game, we joined Jason, his family and teammates in the West Village to celebrate late into the night, all of us recognizing that history had been made.

Jason Collins represents the best of us. In today’s political climate, where LGBTQ rights are under constant pressure, he remains a steady voice for change. He understands the responsibility that comes with being a trailblazer, yet he approaches it with humility and optimism. 

For me, someone I had never met changed the course of my life. I have been so fortune to spend time with him in person and call him a friend. Most people don’t get that chance.

We need more people like Jason Collins — people who recognize the power they have to spark positive change, yet remain humble enough to know they’re part of something much bigger. 

Jason’s story reminds us that courage is contagious, and that one person’s honesty can open the door for so many others to step through.

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