In 2013,
Jason Collins came out as the first openly gay male athlete in major North
American team sports (Arnold, 2013). Arnold stressed the importance of this significant
moment because it took athletes till 2013 to come out to the world. Arnold
described how people were obviously reacting in a big way. President Obama
called Collins commending him on his courage and offered his support. Arnold
states that the world is progressing in terms of becoming more accepting of gay
rights. However she goes into saying that for a professional athlete to come
out and it be construed as “brave,” we still have work to do to achieve full
equality (Arnold, 2013).
Arnold went
on to talk about how difficult it is for professional athletes to come out to
the world. Most athletes are scared of losing their endorsements if they come
out as gay. However, she mentions that it seems to be so much more difficult
for males than it is for women. Arnold suggests that maybe women are more ready
to come out because fans of women’s sports might be more accepting (Arnold,
2013).
While I
fully agree with Arnold about more professional athletes should always feel
safe to come out, I don’t know if I agree with her that it’s harder for males
than females. Coming out is not an easy process for anyone, professional athlete
or not. While male athletes tend to be on display a vast amount more, it is not
any easier for women to come out than men. I applaud Arnold for her wish for
everyone to feel comfortable to come out to the world. I hope for the same and
wish that sports fans could be accepting of gay athletes. It shouldn’t matter
what your sexual orientation is, it should matter if they work hard in their
chosen sport and are positive role models to others.
Arnold,
Alice. (2013). Why is it harder for a male athlete to come out as gay?
Ellen Chlumecky
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