Just recently, Michael Sam came out as a homosexual man. People come out all the time, so why is this a big deal? Because Michael Sam is going to be drafted into the NFL. And when he is drafted, he will be the first openly gay male athlete in the four professional sports (MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA) to be actively playing. Now, some might say, what about Jason Collins? For those of you who do not remember, Jason Collins came out last April, but has yet to play a game in the NBA. Not because of his sexuality (although that can be debated), but because of his ability to contribute to a team. It is well known that Collins is nearing the end of his career and is a role player at best. He has recently drawn some interest from a couple of teams, but nothing much. So, yes, Jason Collins is the first active player because he has not retired, but Sam could be the first active player to play. Unless Collins gets picked up by a team.
So, why is this such a big deal? Why should we care about this? Why should we remember the names of Jason Collins and Michael Sam? Because professional sports are something we care about in this country. We, as a country, spend so much time fixated with sports and players. We idolize these players (but we shouldn't) because they are in the limelight. This is such a big deal and is important because these two athletes can be true idols. Two men that stepped out of their comfort zone and could become legends. Not for their play on the field/court, but for what they have done off it. Sports are the ultimate man's man forum. Because this is history. These men are our generation's Jackie Robinson. This is another barrier broken down. These two men have the mental strength and poise to not hide who they are anymore. They have the support system whether it is family, friends, teammates, partner to stand up and let the world know who they are. They are two gay men who have put themselves out there in a world that is not fully excepting of their lifestyle. I stand up and salute them for their bravery. They both have to know they will not be fully accept by their peers.
In a world where same sex couples are slowly gaining the right to marry (by the way, why isn't same sex marriage a federal law? Come on now, 21st century and whatnot), these statements by athletes should not be a big deal. I know I am living in my little progressive bubble, but I would hope this would not be a big deal other than someone being the first of their sport to come out. We, unfortunately, live in a world full of hatred and bigots who cannot accept that not everyone is the same as them. And unfortunately, these bigots are at times the loudest and heard by too many.
On Valentine's Day, at the Human Rights Campaign Time to Thrive Conference, Ellen Page (that lovely little Canadian) came out. People didn't blink an eye at this statement. I shouldn't say that. You hear a lot of 'good for her' and the usual sentiment. There isn't a lot of shock or surprise because actor or actress to come out. It has happened over and over again. It's not a big deal. Hopefully, years down the road (or sooner), if a gay athlete comes out it won't be a big deal anymore. You also hear homophobic statements. Ignore those because people can be just fucking awful. Spend eight minutes of your life listening to her speech. It is beautiful and heartfelt. So it's apparently not a big deal (Yes. It is.) for an actor to come out because...Because...Because why? They are just the same as an athlete. They are human. They have feelings. They love. They hurt. They hide. They lie.
Everyone deserves the right to be open about who they are. Everyone deserves the right to be seen as an equal. Unfortunately, everyone does not get that right because they are different. And in a world where we try to be progressive and supportive, that makes me sad to think about.
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