Breakthriu in LGBT & Sports

[VictoriaVeil]

Today Jason Collins a 12 year Vet of the NBA came out...even his twin brother (who also played in the nba) didn't know.... Its another step peeps!

:)

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/dam/assets/130429083934-jason-collins-arn-tellem-hawks-single-image-cut.jpg

[dakota87]

On the one hand, I'm trying to figure out why this is such a big deal. In this day and age, most people know that there are gay people all over the place. Is it just because he plays pro ball? And I really don't get other players who'd have a problem with him. Why? On the local radio they were interviewing Brian Dawkins about the possibility of NFL players being gay and even Dawkins was tap dancing about the subject like it was some big taboo that NFL players might be gay and how awkward it would be in the locker room. Really?
One the other hand, seeing as so many people do think it's so odd that gay people might also be pro athletes I commend Jason Collins' courage to put it out there and confront the attitudes.

[TSPornFan]

I don't see this as a step. If someone who is better known and produced on the court came out as homosexual then this would have more meaning. I think this guy did this to keep a job in the NBA. He is a 34 year old unproductive player in the league. His time was up. Now he could have gave himself at least two more years.

[dderek123]

I think the more positive exposure the better.

[bluesoul]

yeah, but this guy won't get any favors from trannies now that he's announced to the world he's gay, so we chasers just need to continue to keep our mouths shut.

[robertlouis]

I don't see this as a step. If someone who is better known and produced on the court came out as homosexual then this would have more meaning. I think this guy did this to keep a job in the NBA. He is a 34 year old unproductive player in the league. His time was up. Now he could have gave himself at least two more years.

And there in a nutshell you have the primary reason why gay people in sport don't come out - fear.

When a soccer player in the UK, Justin Fashanu, came out in the 90s, he was hounded by the media and took his life in the end.

A rugby player, highly respected Welsh international, Gareth Thomas, came out after pressure from the tabloids and retired from the game shortly afterwards.

And just think of the crap that tennis players like Martina Navratilova and Amelie Mauresmo have had to take.

Let's face it, sport is one of the areas in society where gender prejudice remains tighter than in most and the US is no different from the UK, other than the ridiculous hold that religion in its narrowest and worst forms seems to have over vast swathes of American society.

It takes more than courage - if you're not careful it could become a death wish.

[dderek123]

yeah, but this guy won't get any favors from trannies now that he's announced to the world he's gay, so we chasers just need to continue to keep our mouths shut.

The goal is to be a 100% unclockable chaser. No one must know who we really are!

:geek:

[bluesoul]

The goal is to be a 100% unclockable chaser. No one must know who we really are!

:geek:

yeah. it's like fight club, without the soap, the witty dialogue and the fact that marla singer isn't as obsessed with us as we are with her.

[tranlove]

Good for Jason :Bowdown:, I wish there were more male Athletes man enough to tell the world.

[MacShreach]

And there in a nutshell you have the primary reason why gay people in sport don't come out - fear.

When a soccer player in the UK, Justin Fashanu, came out in the 90s, he was hounded by the media and took his life in the end.

A rugby player, highly respected Welsh international, Gareth Thomas, came out after pressure from the tabloids and retired from the game shortly afterwards.

And just think of the crap that tennis players like Martina Navratilova and Amelie Mauresmo have had to take.

Let's face it, sport is one of the areas in society where gender prejudice remains tighter than in most and the US is no different from the UK, other than the ridiculous hold that religion in its narrowest and worst forms seems to have over vast swathes of American society.

It takes more than courage - if you're not careful it could become a death wish.

Extremely well put Robert. I remember the Fashanu story.

Interestingly there have been quite a number of TS sportswomen, and sports' governing bodies have already had to adapt their rules to accommodate that.

http://wgst303.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/mens-sports-womens-sports-transsexuals-in-sports/

This is an interesting article on a current story that really does pose challenging questions.

[MacShreach]

The goal is to be a 100% unclockable chaser. No one must know who we really are!

:geek:
hahaha are you on the piss tonight?...it's only Monday ffs :D:D

[Dino Velvet]

Good for him. I don't know much about basketball but I bet he gets more rebounds next year. Possible success all the way around.

[Ben]

Jason Collins comes out – and clubs and players show their support

Kobe Bryant and Billie-Jean King among those to offer words of praise after Washington Wizards center announced he was gay:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/apr/29/jason-collins-comes-out-gay-support

[dderek123]

hahaha are you on the piss tonight?...it's only Monday ffs :D:D

Hahaha yeah I am. And I'm watching Man vs Food episodes on youtube. I'm a wild and crazy guy!

[VictoriaVeil]

And there in a nutshell you have the primary reason why gay people in sport don't come out - fear.

When a soccer player in the UK, Justin Fashanu, came out in the 90s, he was hounded by the media and took his life in the end.

A rugby player, highly respected Welsh international, Gareth Thomas, came out after pressure from the tabloids and retired from the game shortly afterwards.

And just think of the crap that tennis players like Martina Navratilova and Amelie Mauresmo have had to take.

Let's face it, sport is one of the areas in society where gender prejudice remains tighter than in most and the US is no different from the UK, other than the ridiculous hold that religion in its narrowest and worst forms seems to have over vast swathes of American society.

It takes more than courage - if you're not careful it could become a death wish.

:iagree: :kiss: HELLZZ YEA

[Ben]

And there in a nutshell you have the primary reason why gay people in sport don't come out - fear.

When a soccer player in the UK, Justin Fashanu, came out in the 90s, he was hounded by the media and took his life in the end.

A rugby player, highly respected Welsh international, Gareth Thomas, came out after pressure from the tabloids and retired from the game shortly afterwards.

And just think of the crap that tennis players like Martina Navratilova and Amelie Mauresmo have had to take.

Let's face it, sport is one of the areas in society where gender prejudice remains tighter than in most and the US is no different from the UK, other than the ridiculous hold that religion in its narrowest and worst forms seems to have over vast swathes of American society.

It takes more than courage - if you're not careful it could become a death wish.

Not only in sport. But fear stops a lot of people from coming out. I mean, everyone wants to belong. People, especially gay men (who are not out of the closet), are afraid of being isolated, of losing friends and family. It isn't easy for anyone.
But, of course, sports has the machismo aspect to it.

[robertlouis]

Not only in sport. But fear stops a lot of people from coming out. I mean, everyone wants to belong. People, especially gay men (who are not out of the closet), are afraid of being isolated, of losing friends and family. It isn't easy for anyone.
But, of course, sports has the machismo aspect to it.

Yes. It's hardly a breakthrough, but it is an encouraging sign.

And not helped, frankly, by a poster here belittling the courage that it must have taken for the guy to come out, by suggesting he was only doing it because his career was over the hill. Shame on you.

[VictoriaVeil]

its ok if franklin thinks this was done as a publicity stunt. he has the right to be wrong. Personally I prefer to look for the good in a moment like this as it provides strength for the fearful and so much more.

[fred41]

And there in a nutshell you have the primary reason why gay people in sport don't come out - fear.

When a soccer player in the UK, Justin Fashanu, came out in the 90s, he was hounded by the media and took his life in the end.

A rugby player, highly respected Welsh international, Gareth Thomas, came out after pressure from the tabloids and retired from the game shortly afterwards.

And just think of the crap that tennis players like Martina Navratilova and Amelie Mauresmo have had to take.

Let's face it, sport is one of the areas in society where gender prejudice remains tighter than in most and the US is no different from the UK, other than the ridiculous hold that religion in its narrowest and worst forms seems to have over vast swathes of American society.

It takes more than courage - if you're not careful it could become a death wish.
While I agree with the overall gist of what you are saying - I think it's much harder to come out in a team sport...and I think it's probably much harder for men than women.
I don't really see too many ways that coming out in a sport like tennis will affect an athlete, anymore so than anyone else coming out... in any walk of life.(I doubt it hurt Navratilova's career all that much)

[fred41]

On a lighter note...there are probably some sports where no one bats an eye if an athlete comes out -
male figure skating anyone?
:)

[robertlouis]

While I agree with the overall gist of what you are saying - I think it's much harder to come out in a team sport...and I think it's probably much harder for men than women.
I don't really see too many ways that coming out in a sport like tennis will affect an athlete, anymore so than anyone else coming out... in any walk of life.(I doubt it hurt Navratilova's career all that much)

Maybe didn't hurt Martina's career too much, but she had to deal with all kinds of hate from the media and anti-gay groups, and both she and Mauresmo faced attacks from other female players that their lesbian nature somehow gave them male characteristics in their play and an unfair advantage, a hideous confusion of gender politics and gender reality.

And my point is that it still goes on - sport lies way behind many other areas of society, when it could do so much good by becoming more progressive in its attitudes and showing the way.

[TSPornFan]

And there in a nutshell you have the primary reason why gay people in sport don't come out - fear.

When a soccer player in the UK, Justin Fashanu, came out in the 90s, he was hounded by the media and took his life in the end.

A rugby player, highly respected Welsh international, Gareth Thomas, came out after pressure from the tabloids and retired from the game shortly afterwards.

And just think of the crap that tennis players like Martina Navratilova and Amelie Mauresmo have had to take.

Let's face it, sport is one of the areas in society where gender prejudice remains tighter than in most and the US is no different from the UK, other than the ridiculous hold that religion in its narrowest and worst forms seems to have over vast swathes of American society.

It takes more than courage - if you're not careful it could become a death wish.

You misunderstood my comments. An unknown player who has been unproductive came out as homosexual. He is 34 years old and is at the end of his career. He will also be a free agent this summer. Coming out as a homosexual has put pressure on teams to give this man a job. If this man is not in the league next year then that could give the league public backlash. The league would be accused of discrimination.

[BluegrassCat]

You misunderstood my comments. An unknown player who has been unproductive came out as homosexual. He is 34 years old and is at the end of his career. He will also be a free agent this summer. Coming out as a homosexual has put pressure on teams to give this man a job. If this man is not in the league next year then that could give the league public backlash. The league would be accused of discrimination.


If he's unknown to you, you don't follow the NBA. Don't confuse your ignorance with ulterior motives on his part.

[luvs2lick1385]

The goal is to be a 100% unclockable chaser. No one must know who we really are!

:geek:

Dderek:

I agree. As far as my secret life is concerned my motto is "If more than one person knows your secret, it's not a secret anymore". NO ONE knows my secret desires:banana:

[Ben]

Obama: 'Couldn't Be Prouder' of Jason Collins:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GvgMEK4318

[dderek123]

Dderek:

I agree. As far as my secret life is concerned my motto is "If more than one person knows your secret, it's not a secret anymore". NO ONE knows my secret desires:banana:

This is awkward. I actually wrote that comment as a joke. There should be a sarcasm emoticon on here. I can definitely see the benefit of keeping a trans attraction a secret and especially if it is only a fetish. I'm sure the people that suck on toes don't feel the need to tell everyone whose toe they have sucked or would like to suck. What people do in the bedroom is their business. Just have your fun and stay safe and everyone will be happy.

But when in a relationship I think it's ideal to accept your partner for who they are, who they've been and who they will be. If that doesn't happen then it would be a major obstacle for building trust. And if you can't build trust your relationship isn't one. If someone is really going to be a part of your life then the other important people in your life will and should know about it.

[MacShreach]

You misunderstood my comments. An unknown player who has been unproductive came out as homosexual. He is 34 years old and is at the end of his career. He will also be a free agent this summer. Coming out as a homosexual has put pressure on teams to give this man a job. If this man is not in the league next year then that could give the league public backlash. The league would be accused of discrimination.

Gosh that's taking conspiracy theory a bit far, isn't it?

[MacShreach]

This is awkward. I actually wrote that comment as a joke. There should be a sarcasm emoticon on here. I can definitely see the benefit of keeping a trans attraction a secret and especially if it is only a fetish. I'm sure the people that suck on toes don't feel the need to tell everyone whose toe they have sucked or would like to suck. What people do in the bedroom is their business. Just have your fun and stay safe and everyone will be happy.

But when in a relationship I think it's ideal to accept your partner for who they are, who they've been and who they will be. If that doesn't happen then it would be a major obstacle for building trust. And if you can't build trust your relationship isn't one. If someone is really going to be a part of your life then the other important people in your life will and should know about it.

If it's a fantasy, I think you're right...men are far more sexually adventurous in their heads than most are in life. Conflicting priorities like work, family, responsibilities etc keep most males' fetishes secret, and really there is no more need to spread the word that you jack to TS porn than that you've got a terabyte or so of GG porn in that there password-protected, encrypted partition. Fantasy is fantasy and it should stay that way.

As soon as someone else's emotionsare involved it's a totally different thing, as you also say. There are a lot of men who 'date transsexuals' but who are NEVER going to tell their families or be seen in public. That's not fair. I actually think that a lot of the resentment towards 'chasers' by transwomen is not only because of the interest in the cock but because of all the other stuff--like not going out together in public, home to meet the family, kids, parents, buddies, whatever.

[sucka4chix]

This is such a non story. The guy is basically irrelevant in the NBA (averaged less than 2pts) and basically unknown outside of that. Yea he told everyone he's gay. First of all it's nobody's business, but second of all nobody cares what Jason Collins is doing. Now he's famous...just by sharing his sexual preference. I compare this to Dennis Rodman.
When Kobe announces he's gay, then it'll be a step towards something. I don't know what, but something. This guy said in an article on ESPN.COM. that the US is ready. Read the comments that followed and get back to me. This gets a big MEH from me.

[SpoogeMonkey]

You misunderstood my comments. An unknown player who has been unproductive came out as homosexual. He is 34 years old and is at the end of his career. He will also be a free agent this summer. Coming out as a homosexual has put pressure on teams to give this man a job. If this man is not in the league next year then that could give the league public backlash. The league would be accused of discrimination.

Totally spot on brother.

this puffter only dreams of a career now as a GAY basketball player. His career as a Basketball player, who just happened to be a gay, is over. He'll play the pink dollar with either "Coming out killed my career", or he'll appear in tears on every single talk show and then blog, then form a group, then do everything else but actually play basketball. He'll be a celebrity queen,.. or made into one. When somebody people have heard of comes out he'll be claiming its because he did it first.. etc etc....

Robbie Rogers the shit US footballer (soccer for you rimtards who think throwing a ball to cunts in pads is 'foot'ball) stopped playing at 25 because he came out. You think if Lionel Messi told the world he liked sucking man cock he'd not have a career any longer? Fuck off...

This is a cynical move designed to elongate a shit career.

[dderek123]

Perhaps this would encourage more players to come out as gay to cash in on the gay dollar at the end of a shit career.

Maybe even straight athletes will do the same to get some of those sweet sweet gay bucks. Then on CNN they will speculate for hours whether or not he was actually gay. They may even use those ridiculous holographs to explain their point. Mind bottling.

[SpoogeMonkey]

gorgeous teen revealing she was born a boy > crap sports puff

[sucka4chix]

Oh and don't be deceived-- when a relevant sports hero does come out as gay, it won't be a boon for the "community". If he's accepted it'll be because he's a worshiped athlete. The people that give him a pass will still drive by trannies on the stroll yelling "faggot" for shits and giggles.

[Ben]

Tennis Star Martina Navratilova, Among First "Out" Pro Athletes, Congratulates NBA's Jason Collins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2a6tBiJ6bM

[TSPornFan]

If he's unknown to you, you don't follow the NBA. Don't confuse your ignorance with ulterior motives on his part.

You're very ignorant. Very few NBA followers knew this man before this week. He has never been an All-Star. He has never been on NBA All Team. He has never averaged a double double. He has not done anything meaningful on the court.

[VictoriaVeil]

I'm not going to let this thread dissolve into whether Jason did this as a publicity stunt to extend his career... this topic is about breaking barriers , in this case ending homophobia and gender/ sexual discriminatory practices. Jason Coming out to the world is a major step, despite his "level" of talent.

And To wit this has happend before with very different results. AS was mentioned earlier in the thread Justin Fashanu came out in the '90's .

To catch everyone up who doesn't follow soccer. (Which is enormously popular outside the USA and a major sport to the rest of the planet. Fashanu was the 1st Black English player (nevermind gay) to be worth a transfer fee of a Million pounds.

Thursday is the 15th anniversary of his suicide.

Here is a copy of his story for those interested:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer--before-jason-collins--there-was-justin-fashanu-203628017.html

So lets refocus people.. This is an accomplishment what Jason did, and if you think it is anything different -- Think Again. And if you still think this is something different -- Think Some more.

[Willie Escalade]

The Lakers should sign him

[JPeterson]

The people thinking he did this to cash in are silly. The guy had spent 12 years in the league already and has made probably 10-20 million dollars and has a degree from one of the most prestigous colleges in the country. Would someone with all that wealth endure a lot of death threats and all the negative hate he will get from this just for some possible endorsements and to possibly prolong his career a year or two.

[Ben]

Eight footballers say 'we're gay' but keep quiet in fear of fans

Players feel they must hide their sexuality to avoid being the target of homophobic chants:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/05/gay-footballers-fear-reaction-of-fans

[MdR Dave]

He has never averaged a double double.

You gotta help me (not only do I not follow soccer, I do not follow basketball)--

What is a double double?

[MdR Dave]

Oh and don't be deceived-- when a relevant sports hero does come out as gay, it won't be a boon for the "community". If he's accepted it'll be because he's a worshiped athlete. The people that give him a pass will still drive by trannies on the stroll yelling "faggot" for shits and giggles.

Reminds me of a quote from "Heathers":

Grieving Father: I love my dead, gay son (sobbing.)

J. D.: I wonder how he'd feel about a live son with a limp wrist?