These Celebrities Are Out And Proud

Jason Collins Is One Of Few Pro Athletes To Come Out

Photo Credit: Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images

Jason Collins was the first active NBA player to come out as gay. After he retired, he became an ambassador for LGBT acceptance in sports. His actions also spurred other athletes, such as football star Michael Sam, to come out. Collins strives to make sports more inclusive to gay athletes.

He hopes the locker room stigma will change, but acknowledges it will take time. “I never tell someone what they should and shouldn’t do,” Collins said. “Hopefully I will show you enough examples that if you do take a step forward (you see) there’s a community waiting to accept you and support you.”