“I’m a 34 year-old NBA center. I’m Black. And I’m gay, “says Jason Collins” to Sports Illustrated, (2013 p. 1). He is the first player in any major American team sport to come out as gay. He didn’t want to be the first to start the conversation but someone had to. The world is changing quickly as the LGBT community is gaining momentum and fervor. I for one am proud that he has come out and broken yet another stereotype surrounding the gay community; there inability to play sports unless it’s floating on ice in a glitter sequenced onesie.
Jason Collins like many others in the LGBT community feel like they have to hide who they are because society says they have to be a certain way. When he was younger he dated women and even got engaged. He thought it was only right for him to marry and raise kids. Life is really too short to hide who you truly are on the inside. What helped Jason among many things to come out were the Boston Marathon bombings. Many lost their lives that day and things can change in an instant. The next breathe is never guaranteed.
Something that I like to live by constantly is the “Man in the Glass” test. You can go on and live your life everyday putting on a smile on and forcing happiness; however, every night when you get ready for bed and look at yourself in the mirror, what do you see?
The Man in the Glass- Literary Exercise
The Man In The Glass
When you get what you want in your struggle for self, and the world makes you king
for a day, just go to a mirror and look at yourself
and see what that man has to say.
Although there are others in life’s pathway whose judgment upon you must pass, the
fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
is the man staring back from the glass.
You may win all the medals and “snow” all the rest and think you’re a wonderful guy;
but the man in the glass says you’re only a fraud,
if you can’t look him straight in the eye.
He’s the one to please, after all’s said and done, for he’s with you clear up to the end.
And you’ve passed a most dangerous, difficult test
if the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathways of years and get pats on the back as
you pass; but your final reward will be heartaches and tears, if you’ve cheated the man in the glass.
The ball literally is in the NBA commissioners hand and the whole community at large. This is an excellent opportunity to make a difference and pioneer change in National sports leagues in America. Make it okay to be who you are and also have a love for the game.
